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 |
Airman Apprentice Destiny Gonzalez, a 2011 Wiregrass Ranch High School graduate and native of Tampa, Florida, 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 an aerographer's mate, Gonzalez is responsible for helping platoons take sonar pictures of the ocean floor and then analyzing those pictures to inspect what is on the ocean floor.
Gonzalez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Tampa.
“Growing up I had a lot of different types of jobs and I had a chance to work with a wide range of people,” said Gonzalez. “In the Navy, I am now working with different people from all over and my experiences at home got me used to doing so.”
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.”
Gonzalez 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, Gonzalez is most proud of a command coin.
“I got that coin by taking on the duties of a collateral public affairs officer and helping bring visibility to the command with photos,” said Gonzalez.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gonzalez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gonzalez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
As an aerographer's mate, Gonzalez is responsible for helping platoons take sonar pictures of the ocean floor and then analyzing those pictures to inspect what is on the ocean floor.
Gonzalez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Tampa.
“Growing up I had a lot of different types of jobs and I had a chance to work with a wide range of people,” said Gonzalez. “In the Navy, I am now working with different people from all over and my experiences at home got me used to doing so.”
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.”
Gonzalez 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, Gonzalez is most proud of a command coin.
“I got that coin by taking on the duties of a collateral public affairs officer and helping bring visibility to the command with photos,” said Gonzalez.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gonzalez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gonzalez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My cousin, who just made chief, brought to my attention how the military operates and I was intrigued by the information and decided to join,” said Gonzalez.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Gonzalez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I think serving in the Navy means a bit of sacrifice,” added Gonzalez. “Serving here I found a lot of camaraderie and everyone is very welcoming to help with training and more. Being here I'm learning something that not too many people get to learn.”