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 |
William Burnett, a native of Norman, Oklahoma, 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 technical director, Burnett is responsible for being the highest ranking civilian at this command.
Burnett credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Norman.
“Understanding the environment, having an appreciation for it and wondering how that environment can impact day-to-day life is what I learned growing up in Oklahoma,” said Burnett.
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.”
Burnett 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, Burnett is most proud of getting the Navy to understand and appreciate our knowledge of unmanned underwater vehicles.
“We have 20 years of using these vehicles under our belts,” said Burnett. “We are bringing the Naval force up to speed on how to use them correctly for missions.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Burnett, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Burnett is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father, mother and brother all served in the military and their influence definitely motivated me to work with the Navy today,” said Burnett.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Burnett and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving is a sense of purpose and pride of giving back to the Navy and providing the freedoms for everyone in the United States,” added Burnett.
As a technical director, Burnett is responsible for being the highest ranking civilian at this command.
Burnett credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Norman.
“Understanding the environment, having an appreciation for it and wondering how that environment can impact day-to-day life is what I learned growing up in Oklahoma,” said Burnett.
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.”
Burnett 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, Burnett is most proud of getting the Navy to understand and appreciate our knowledge of unmanned underwater vehicles.
“We have 20 years of using these vehicles under our belts,” said Burnett. “We are bringing the Naval force up to speed on how to use them correctly for missions.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Burnett, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Burnett is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father, mother and brother all served in the military and their influence definitely motivated me to work with the Navy today,” said Burnett.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Burnett and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving is a sense of purpose and pride of giving back to the Navy and providing the freedoms for everyone in the United States,” added Burnett.