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 |
Bobby Blevins, a 1978 Starmount High School graduate and native of Jonesville, 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 an information technology specialist, Blevins is responsible for first-line troubleshooting of computers and developing information technology solutions.
Blevins credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Jonesville.
“Any job worth doing is worth doing right the first time,” said Blevins. "My dad had a restaurant, so I learned to be customer focused."
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.”
Blevins 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, Blevins is most proud of his 24 years serving in the Air Force as an information technology specialist.
“I served from 1978 until 2004 and retired as a master sergeant,” said Blevins.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Blevins and others know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving as a Navy civilian gives me the opportunity to continue serving, in addition to my time serving on active duty in the Air Force,” added Blevins.
As an information technology specialist, Blevins is responsible for first-line troubleshooting of computers and developing information technology solutions.
Blevins credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Jonesville.
“Any job worth doing is worth doing right the first time,” said Blevins. "My dad had a restaurant, so I learned to be customer focused."
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.”
Blevins 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, Blevins is most proud of his 24 years serving in the Air Force as an information technology specialist.
“I served from 1978 until 2004 and retired as a master sergeant,” said Blevins.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Blevins and others know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving as a Navy civilian gives me the opportunity to continue serving, in addition to my time serving on active duty in the Air Force,” added Blevins.