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 |
Brian Riverbank, a 1990 Jacksonville High School graduate and native of Jacksonville, North Carolina, 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 physical scientist, Riverbank is responsible for conducting hydrographic surveys for maritime charting, which supports military and civilian safety of navigation.
Riverbank credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Jacksonville.
“Curiosity in science and math, which started in grade school, led to opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education in meteorology, oceanography and hydrography through the U.S. Navy while on active duty and for civilian employment,” said Riverbank.
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.”
Riverbank 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.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Riverbank, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Riverbank is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather, Carlyle Riverbank, served in the Army for over 30 years and he instilled in me the desire to serve our country,” said Riverbank.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Riverbank and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving to me means that you are supporting a cause greater than yourself,” added Riverbank. “I love the great sense of satisfaction in working with the military and civilian professionals.”
As a physical scientist, Riverbank is responsible for conducting hydrographic surveys for maritime charting, which supports military and civilian safety of navigation.
Riverbank credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Jacksonville.
“Curiosity in science and math, which started in grade school, led to opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education in meteorology, oceanography and hydrography through the U.S. Navy while on active duty and for civilian employment,” said Riverbank.
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.”
Riverbank 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.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Riverbank, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Riverbank is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather, Carlyle Riverbank, served in the Army for over 30 years and he instilled in me the desire to serve our country,” said Riverbank.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Riverbank and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving to me means that you are supporting a cause greater than yourself,” added Riverbank. “I love the great sense of satisfaction in working with the military and civilian professionals.”