STENNIS, Ms. – Most Americans rely on weather forecasts to plan their daily routine. The U.S. Navy is no different. With numerous ships, submarines and airplanes deployed around the world, sailors and civilians serving with the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, advise Navy leaders about the impact of ocean and atmospheric conditions on future operations.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek |
Lt. Casey Burgener, a 2000 Rancho Buena Vista High School graduate and native of Bonsall, California, is one of those responsible for providing timely, comprehensive and tactically relevant information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands operating throughout the globe.
As a Navy meteorology and oceanography officer, Burgener is responsible for planning and conducting hydrographic surveys in various countries throughout the world.
Burgener credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Bonsall.
“I take the time to learn about the people I see and work with on a daily basis,” said Burgener. "Treat others as family."
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. “There isn't a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”
Burgener is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Burgener is most proud of the team effort he sees while serving in the Navy.
“Every tour in the Navy has carried learning experiences, sometimes proud, sometimes painful,” said Burgener. "Any accomplishment was due to a team effort, not my effort alone."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Burgener, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Burgener is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather, father and brother served in the military, and I'm proud to carry on the tradition of service,” said Burgener.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Burgener and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I am honored to serve in a branch where my relatives served,” added Burgener. “One distinguished by a proud history and one that continues to protect and preserve the American way of life.”
As a Navy meteorology and oceanography officer, Burgener is responsible for planning and conducting hydrographic surveys in various countries throughout the world.
Burgener credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Bonsall.
“I take the time to learn about the people I see and work with on a daily basis,” said Burgener. "Treat others as family."
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. “There isn't a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”
Burgener is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Burgener is most proud of the team effort he sees while serving in the Navy.
“Every tour in the Navy has carried learning experiences, sometimes proud, sometimes painful,” said Burgener. "Any accomplishment was due to a team effort, not my effort alone."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Burgener, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Burgener is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather, father and brother served in the military, and I'm proud to carry on the tradition of service,” said Burgener.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Burgener and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I am honored to serve in a branch where my relatives served,” added Burgener. “One distinguished by a proud history and one that continues to protect and preserve the American way of life.”