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 |
Master Chief Petty Officer Chad Goff, a 1994 Illinois Valley High School graduate and native of Cave Junction, Oregon, 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 command master chief, Goff is responsible for advising the commanding officer to help implement policies concerning morale, job satisfaction, discipline, family support and training of sailors, as well as advising the command on areas that affect the mission and operations.
Goff credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Cave Junction.
“I come from a small town where everyone knows everybody,” said Goff. "I think the friendliness that is inherent with that has transcended into my naval career where I view everyone as family. We are brothers and sisters in arms."
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.”
Goff 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 for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Goff is most proud of earning the success of his sailors.
“I really stopped worrying about recognition about 10 years ago, when I earned the rank of chief petty officer,” said Goff. "After that, it has all been about seeing the people that I work with succeed. Their success has been my success and has helped me reach the top enlisted rank of master chief, which was never a thought when I joined."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Goff, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Goff is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I had a neighbor who was truly like a big brother to me that joined the Navy out of high school,” said Goff. "He came back and told me some amazing sea stories, so when I graduated I thought, what the heck! So, it wasn't really about carrying on a family tradition, but it also didn't diminish the pride my family takes in my service."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Goff and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I didn't get it when I was younger, but serving in the military quite simply is being a part of something bigger than myself and showing my kids that serving the country and others is a life one can be proud of,” added Goff. "The Navy has given me so much, and I love serving here at this command because, while we're a really big unit, we're also a family who takes care of each other."
As a Navy command master chief, Goff is responsible for advising the commanding officer to help implement policies concerning morale, job satisfaction, discipline, family support and training of sailors, as well as advising the command on areas that affect the mission and operations.
Goff credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Cave Junction.
“I come from a small town where everyone knows everybody,” said Goff. "I think the friendliness that is inherent with that has transcended into my naval career where I view everyone as family. We are brothers and sisters in arms."
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.”
Goff 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 for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Goff is most proud of earning the success of his sailors.
“I really stopped worrying about recognition about 10 years ago, when I earned the rank of chief petty officer,” said Goff. "After that, it has all been about seeing the people that I work with succeed. Their success has been my success and has helped me reach the top enlisted rank of master chief, which was never a thought when I joined."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Goff, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Goff is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I had a neighbor who was truly like a big brother to me that joined the Navy out of high school,” said Goff. "He came back and told me some amazing sea stories, so when I graduated I thought, what the heck! So, it wasn't really about carrying on a family tradition, but it also didn't diminish the pride my family takes in my service."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Goff and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I didn't get it when I was younger, but serving in the military quite simply is being a part of something bigger than myself and showing my kids that serving the country and others is a life one can be proud of,” added Goff. "The Navy has given me so much, and I love serving here at this command because, while we're a really big unit, we're also a family who takes care of each other."