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 |
Ensign Jennifer Fishbein, a 2007 Sherwood High School graduate and native of Olney, Maryland, 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 meteorology and oceanography officer, Fishbein is responsible for helping plan exercises and training to make sure everyone has the skills they need to complete mission.
As a meteorology and oceanography officer, Fishbein is responsible for helping plan exercises and training to make sure everyone has the skills they need to complete mission.
Fishbein credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Olney.
“My grandfather worked for the federal government as a contractor, and both of my parents are government civilians,” said Fishbein. "Growing up in the D.C. area, there are a lot of federal workers, so I was exposed to that kind of desire to serve."
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.”
Fishbein 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, Fishbein is most proud of being selected to serve as a meteorology and oceanography officer.
“Before joining the Navy I had lab work experience, and I have a science degree, so I believe that contributed to my selection,” said Fishbein.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Fishbein, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Fishbein is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have a family friend who is a Navy captain at Bethesda Naval Hospital, and he helped guide me down this path,” said Fishbein.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Fishbein and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy means that I can make a difference for my country,” added Fishbein. "It's a good opportunity. I like the job and the leadership role I have."