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 |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Christian Chavez, a 2013 Channel Island High School graduate and native of Oxnard, California, 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 aerographer's mate, Chavez is responsible for studying the weather and making charts of the ocean floor for boats and ships to safely navigate.
Chavez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Oxnard.
“Growing up, I learned that it's important to keep my head up and keep pushing because the reward will be fulfilling,” said Chavez.
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.”
Chavez 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, Chavez is most proud of being selected as the Junior Sailor of the Quarter earlier this year.
“I improved my working habits and was able to raise the standard at my command, which made improvements in my own life,” said Chavez.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Chavez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Chavez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have a cousin who served in the Army,” said Chavez. "I know he would be proud of my service in the Navy."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Chavez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"It's rewarding to be part of a whole system,” added Chavez. “I know what I do will help someone else down the road or pave a pathway for others to follow.”
As a Navy aerographer's mate, Chavez is responsible for studying the weather and making charts of the ocean floor for boats and ships to safely navigate.
Chavez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Oxnard.
“Growing up, I learned that it's important to keep my head up and keep pushing because the reward will be fulfilling,” said Chavez.
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.”
Chavez 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, Chavez is most proud of being selected as the Junior Sailor of the Quarter earlier this year.
“I improved my working habits and was able to raise the standard at my command, which made improvements in my own life,” said Chavez.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Chavez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Chavez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have a cousin who served in the Army,” said Chavez. "I know he would be proud of my service in the Navy."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Chavez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"It's rewarding to be part of a whole system,” added Chavez. “I know what I do will help someone else down the road or pave a pathway for others to follow.”