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 |
Korey Ashton, a 2001 homeschool graduate of Medina, New York, 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 physical scientist, Ashton is responsible for collecting detailed seafloor imagery and oceanographic data while on ships. When in the office, he utilizes that data to create products for the Navy and our allies that they can rely on for safe navigation and operational planning.
Ashton credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Medina.
“Never be afraid to use your imagination,” said Ashton. “Things don't always go according to plan, and you might have to get a little creative to get the job done.”
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.”
Ashton 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 civilians to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Ashton is most proud of receiving a Flag Letter of Commendation.
“It was for my contribution to Fleet Week New York ,” said Ashton. “It was a great experience because I was able to talk directly to the public about what we do here and why we do it.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Ashton, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Ashton is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father, grandfather and a few of my cousins have served in the military,” said Ashton. “I served in the Army for a few years and now I'm lucky enough to work for the Navy. My father and grandfather played a big part in my decision to serve and I wanted to make them proud.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Ashton and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Working for the Navy means I get to help protect those that have volunteered to risk their lives to protect all of us and our way of life,” said Ashton. “It's an honor to be able to do so. I love to travel. I've been to several different countries in the three years I've worked for the Navy and each one is so unique and interesting. I hope I get to continue traveling throughout my career.”
As a Navy physical scientist, Ashton is responsible for collecting detailed seafloor imagery and oceanographic data while on ships. When in the office, he utilizes that data to create products for the Navy and our allies that they can rely on for safe navigation and operational planning.
Ashton credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Medina.
“Never be afraid to use your imagination,” said Ashton. “Things don't always go according to plan, and you might have to get a little creative to get the job done.”
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.”
Ashton 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 civilians to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Ashton is most proud of receiving a Flag Letter of Commendation.
“It was for my contribution to Fleet Week New York ,” said Ashton. “It was a great experience because I was able to talk directly to the public about what we do here and why we do it.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Ashton, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Ashton is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father, grandfather and a few of my cousins have served in the military,” said Ashton. “I served in the Army for a few years and now I'm lucky enough to work for the Navy. My father and grandfather played a big part in my decision to serve and I wanted to make them proud.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Ashton and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Working for the Navy means I get to help protect those that have volunteered to risk their lives to protect all of us and our way of life,” said Ashton. “It's an honor to be able to do so. I love to travel. I've been to several different countries in the three years I've worked for the Navy and each one is so unique and interesting. I hope I get to continue traveling throughout my career.”