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.
Capt. Greg Emery, a 1991 Damascus High School graduate and native of Clarksburg, Maryland, 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 the chief of staff, Emery is responsible for the day-to-day business of naval meteorology and oceanography command.
"I work for our commander, Rear Admiral John Okon, and execute his strategy by organizing the staff to ensure we deliver our capabilities to the Navy," said Emery.
Emery credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Clarksburg.
“My hometown is full of successful and driven people,” said Emery. "I learned very early in my life that success comes from hard work combined with learned skills and a little talent, too.”
“I have had an incredible Navy career because of my family, friends, coaches and teachers who pushed me and taught me how to work hard and demand the most out of myself every day,” added Emery.
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.”
Emery 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, Emery is most proud of his deployment to Afghanistan.
“I answered the call to serve, which I had been preparing myself for almost 23 years,” said Emery.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Emery and others know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy means that I have an obligation to uphold our creed every day,” added Emery. "I must serve with honor, courage and commitment, and I must be prepared to selflessly give without regard for my personal needs.”
“My wife, Sarah, and three kids, Alex, Eric and Brooke, fully support my service, and I could not do this without them,” added Emery. “What I like most is the opportunity to serve my country and lead men and women toward a common purpose and common goal."
As the chief of staff, Emery is responsible for the day-to-day business of naval meteorology and oceanography command.
"I work for our commander, Rear Admiral John Okon, and execute his strategy by organizing the staff to ensure we deliver our capabilities to the Navy," said Emery.
Emery credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Clarksburg.
“My hometown is full of successful and driven people,” said Emery. "I learned very early in my life that success comes from hard work combined with learned skills and a little talent, too.”
“I have had an incredible Navy career because of my family, friends, coaches and teachers who pushed me and taught me how to work hard and demand the most out of myself every day,” added Emery.
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.”
Emery 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, Emery is most proud of his deployment to Afghanistan.
“I answered the call to serve, which I had been preparing myself for almost 23 years,” said Emery.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Emery and others know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy means that I have an obligation to uphold our creed every day,” added Emery. "I must serve with honor, courage and commitment, and I must be prepared to selflessly give without regard for my personal needs.”
“My wife, Sarah, and three kids, Alex, Eric and Brooke, fully support my service, and I could not do this without them,” added Emery. “What I like most is the opportunity to serve my country and lead men and women toward a common purpose and common goal."