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 |
Chief Petty Officer Jennifer Finuff, a 2000 McDowell High School graduate and native of Erie, Pennsylvania, 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 yeoman, Finuff is responsible for being the personal assistant to the chief executive officer. She manages the schedule, travel, speeches and coordinate events with local agencies.
Finuff credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Erie.
“Hard work pays off,” said Finuff. “My parents made us very independent growing up and I had a job at 15 so I was always focused on working hard.”
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.”
Finuff 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, Finuff is most proud of becoming a chief petty officer.
“Not every sailor that comes into the Navy and serves is able to be a chief so me making it was a turning point of my career,” said Finuff.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Finuff, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Finuff is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have two uncles who served in the Marine Corps,” said Finuff. “I didn't hear much about their service in the military until after I joined, which made me proud to be part of the armed forces. I'm extremely lucky to carry on the tradition and maybe my children will take the path I did when they grow up.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Finuff and other sailors 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 can be a part of something much larger and make a difference,” added Finuff. “I really enjoy the people who I work with and that makes coming to work not feel like a job.”
As a yeoman, Finuff is responsible for being the personal assistant to the chief executive officer. She manages the schedule, travel, speeches and coordinate events with local agencies.
Finuff credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Erie.
“Hard work pays off,” said Finuff. “My parents made us very independent growing up and I had a job at 15 so I was always focused on working hard.”
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.”
Finuff 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, Finuff is most proud of becoming a chief petty officer.
“Not every sailor that comes into the Navy and serves is able to be a chief so me making it was a turning point of my career,” said Finuff.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Finuff, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Finuff is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have two uncles who served in the Marine Corps,” said Finuff. “I didn't hear much about their service in the military until after I joined, which made me proud to be part of the armed forces. I'm extremely lucky to carry on the tradition and maybe my children will take the path I did when they grow up.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Finuff and other sailors 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 can be a part of something much larger and make a difference,” added Finuff. “I really enjoy the people who I work with and that makes coming to work not feel like a job.”