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 |
Charleston Simms, a 1981 Saint Augustine High School graduate and native of New Orleans, 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 assistant chief of staff for information architecture, Simms is responsible for working with a globally dispersed team to ensure that information technology is getting to U.S. forces around the world.
Simms credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in New Orleans.
“Being a resident in New Orleans, at the drop of a hat we can have a party, a festival or even a funeral,” said Simms. “I think the team building and interactions I use at my job now come from that gumbo, emotions and experiences I've experienced growing up.”
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.”
Simms 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, Simms is most proud of being assigned to his current position.
“My parents grew up in the projects and I have been able to show them that one generation can change the entire outlook for everyone by providing opportunities that were not available before,” said Simms.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Simms, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Simms is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Air Force and my uncle served in the Navy. My father says growing up in a housing project his world spread in a 20 mile radius,” said Simms. “After joining the military he realized how big the world was and focused on improving our lives in the process and that is why I serve.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Simms and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Growing up my dad would often talk about the greatest generation,” added Simms. “I would watch them and realized the sacrifices they made for this country is so inspiring and they have passed the baton to our generation. It is on us to pass it on to the next.”
As an assistant chief of staff for information architecture, Simms is responsible for working with a globally dispersed team to ensure that information technology is getting to U.S. forces around the world.
Simms credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in New Orleans.
“Being a resident in New Orleans, at the drop of a hat we can have a party, a festival or even a funeral,” said Simms. “I think the team building and interactions I use at my job now come from that gumbo, emotions and experiences I've experienced growing up.”
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.”
Simms 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, Simms is most proud of being assigned to his current position.
“My parents grew up in the projects and I have been able to show them that one generation can change the entire outlook for everyone by providing opportunities that were not available before,” said Simms.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Simms, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Simms is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Air Force and my uncle served in the Navy. My father says growing up in a housing project his world spread in a 20 mile radius,” said Simms. “After joining the military he realized how big the world was and focused on improving our lives in the process and that is why I serve.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Simms and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Growing up my dad would often talk about the greatest generation,” added Simms. “I would watch them and realized the sacrifices they made for this country is so inspiring and they have passed the baton to our generation. It is on us to pass it on to the next.”