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 Jai Chappell, son of Orange Park resident, Meger Chappell, 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 meteorology and oceanography officer, Chappell is responsible for deploying aboard an oceanographic survey vessel, where he stands watch to oversee the computer systems and instruments to collect data that will aid in the survey operations.
Chappell appreciates the lessons he learned from the Jacksonville area, where his father serves in the Navy.
“While visiting my father in the Jacksonville area, I would sometimes go to lunch with my father and other naval officers, so I learned how to conduct myself around senior people,” said Chappell. “This helped me in my career as a junior officer.”
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.”
Chappell 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 sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Chappell is most proud of being hand-picked to be the installation-wide legal officer.
“The manner in which I was selected reflects the trust and confidence that my leadership possesses with regards to my ability to perform this important duty,” said Chappell.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Chappell, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Chappell is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My paternal grandfather served in the Marines during the Korean War, and both of my parents served in the military,” said Chappell. "My mother spent five years in the Army, and my father is an active-duty surface warfare officer in the Navy. Carrying on this tradition means a lot, as I am a third-generation member of the U.S. military. I hope to help keep this tradition alive and well within my family for generations to come."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Chappell 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 interacting with individuals from various backgrounds and building lifelong connections with others who share the desire to serve and defend this great nation,” added Chappell.
As a Navy meteorology and oceanography officer, Chappell is responsible for deploying aboard an oceanographic survey vessel, where he stands watch to oversee the computer systems and instruments to collect data that will aid in the survey operations.
Chappell appreciates the lessons he learned from the Jacksonville area, where his father serves in the Navy.
“While visiting my father in the Jacksonville area, I would sometimes go to lunch with my father and other naval officers, so I learned how to conduct myself around senior people,” said Chappell. “This helped me in my career as a junior officer.”
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.”
Chappell 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 sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Chappell is most proud of being hand-picked to be the installation-wide legal officer.
“The manner in which I was selected reflects the trust and confidence that my leadership possesses with regards to my ability to perform this important duty,” said Chappell.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Chappell, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Chappell is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My paternal grandfather served in the Marines during the Korean War, and both of my parents served in the military,” said Chappell. "My mother spent five years in the Army, and my father is an active-duty surface warfare officer in the Navy. Carrying on this tradition means a lot, as I am a third-generation member of the U.S. military. I hope to help keep this tradition alive and well within my family for generations to come."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Chappell 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 interacting with individuals from various backgrounds and building lifelong connections with others who share the desire to serve and defend this great nation,” added Chappell.