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 |
Lt. j.g. Jack Carey, a 2013 graduate of Tappan Zee High School of Tappan, New York, 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, Carey is responsible for leading a group of sailors to conduct survey operations like mapping the ocean floor all over the world.
Carey credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Tappan.
“There is no set mold for a successful life, don’t worry about a salary just find something that you are passionate about,” said Carey.
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.”
Carey 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, Carey is most proud of graduating from nuclear power school.
“I worked harder than I ever thought possible to graduate nuclear power school,” said Carey. “I studied for many hours and it was needed.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Carey, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Carey is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have two uncles who served in Vietnam and six cousins that went through the ROTC programs as well,” said Carey. In a sense, I became aware of the ROTC from my cousins’ program and the opportunities that came with it. Also the events of Sept. 11th influenced me. My community was directly impacted by that.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Carey and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I joined the Navy to see the world and I think it’s amazing to travel and work with incredible civilians and learn about oceanography,” added Carey.
As a Navy meteorology and oceanography officer, Carey is responsible for leading a group of sailors to conduct survey operations like mapping the ocean floor all over the world.
Carey credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Tappan.
“There is no set mold for a successful life, don’t worry about a salary just find something that you are passionate about,” said Carey.
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.”
Carey 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, Carey is most proud of graduating from nuclear power school.
“I worked harder than I ever thought possible to graduate nuclear power school,” said Carey. “I studied for many hours and it was needed.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Carey, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Carey is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have two uncles who served in Vietnam and six cousins that went through the ROTC programs as well,” said Carey. In a sense, I became aware of the ROTC from my cousins’ program and the opportunities that came with it. Also the events of Sept. 11th influenced me. My community was directly impacted by that.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Carey and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I joined the Navy to see the world and I think it’s amazing to travel and work with incredible civilians and learn about oceanography,” added Carey.