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 |
Brian Hartley, of Roy, Mississippi, is one of those responsible for providing timely, comprehensive and tactically relevant information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands operating throughout the globe.
Hartley supervises a team of scientists onboard oceanographic ships whose primary mission is to collect environmental data for use by the Navy.
Hartley credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Roy.
“I grew up learning to work hard and treat others as you would want to be treated,” said Hartley. “By applying those values to both my military and civilian careers it has made me successful.”
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.”
Hartley 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, Hartley is most proud of becoming the Senior Naval Oceanographic Office Representative.
“This is a position normally reserved for more senior personnel,” said Hartley. “Hard work, determination and having a department head, division head and technical lead who helped me to reach my potential was key to accomplishing this step in my career. Being surrounded by fellow employees who are just as dedicated and hardworking, as well as being some really wonderful people, has helped as well.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hartley, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hartley is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Air Force, and my stepfather served in the Navy,” said Hartley. “I guess I always have seen the armed forces as a career path that I wanted. After I retired from the Navy, it only seemed fitting that I continue to serve in any capacity I could."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hartley and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I like the fact that our work has direct implications to the success of the Navy's mission,” said Hartley. “The Navy is very important to me. The ocean is in my blood as well as the drive to serve my country. At NAVOCEANO it is my honor to help those sailors at the tip of the spear who are risking their lives for each of us.”
Hartley supervises a team of scientists onboard oceanographic ships whose primary mission is to collect environmental data for use by the Navy.
Hartley credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Roy.
“I grew up learning to work hard and treat others as you would want to be treated,” said Hartley. “By applying those values to both my military and civilian careers it has made me successful.”
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.”
Hartley 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, Hartley is most proud of becoming the Senior Naval Oceanographic Office Representative.
“This is a position normally reserved for more senior personnel,” said Hartley. “Hard work, determination and having a department head, division head and technical lead who helped me to reach my potential was key to accomplishing this step in my career. Being surrounded by fellow employees who are just as dedicated and hardworking, as well as being some really wonderful people, has helped as well.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hartley, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hartley is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Air Force, and my stepfather served in the Navy,” said Hartley. “I guess I always have seen the armed forces as a career path that I wanted. After I retired from the Navy, it only seemed fitting that I continue to serve in any capacity I could."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hartley and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I like the fact that our work has direct implications to the success of the Navy's mission,” said Hartley. “The Navy is very important to me. The ocean is in my blood as well as the drive to serve my country. At NAVOCEANO it is my honor to help those sailors at the tip of the spear who are risking their lives for each of us.”