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 |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jakob Gradert, a 2012 J. D. Darnell High School graduate and native of Geneseo, Illinois, 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 aerographer's mate, Gradert is responsible for analyzing the atmosphere and creating products to help ensure safe operations for pilots and ship drivers.
Gradert credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Geneseo.
“Growing up in Geneseo, I learned a sense of community,” said Gradert.
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.”
Gradert 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, Gradert is most proud of earning Sailor of the Year in 2018.
“I went on an oceanographic survey and an airborne coastal survey,” said Gradert. "I also earned my naval aviation observer pin and qualified as command duty officer. These all helped in my selection as Sailor of the Year."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gradert, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gradert is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My uncle Bob was a Marine,” said Gradert. "Even though he didn't directly influence my decision to join, I know he is very proud of my decision."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Gradert 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 I'm part of something bigger than myself,” added Gradert. “I like the diversity in what your day-to-day job is. There's a lot of room for growth here."
As a Navy aerographer's mate, Gradert is responsible for analyzing the atmosphere and creating products to help ensure safe operations for pilots and ship drivers.
Gradert credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Geneseo.
“Growing up in Geneseo, I learned a sense of community,” said Gradert.
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.”
Gradert 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, Gradert is most proud of earning Sailor of the Year in 2018.
“I went on an oceanographic survey and an airborne coastal survey,” said Gradert. "I also earned my naval aviation observer pin and qualified as command duty officer. These all helped in my selection as Sailor of the Year."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gradert, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gradert is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My uncle Bob was a Marine,” said Gradert. "Even though he didn't directly influence my decision to join, I know he is very proud of my decision."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Gradert 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 I'm part of something bigger than myself,” added Gradert. “I like the diversity in what your day-to-day job is. There's a lot of room for growth here."