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 Jonathan Dowdall, a 2016 Tonawanda Middle/High School graduate and native of Tonawanda, 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 aerographer's mate, Dowdall is responsible for providing meteorological and oceanographic support to ships and aircraft.
Dowdall credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Tonawanda.
“My hometown taught me how to be part of a team and work as one,” said Dowdall. "I went to a small high school and was on the wrestling team all throughout high school. Being a part of the wrestling team, I learned that the actions of one affects the outcome of all. This concept is in the back of my mind every day I serve in the Navy, both on and off duty."
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.”
Dowdall 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, Dowdall is most proud of earning Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter in January of 2018.
“I was proud to earn Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter because in order to do so, I had to go well above and beyond for typical sailors at my rank,” said Dowdall. "I finished my basic qualification in half the allotted time, led multiple workouts as an assistant command fitness leader, dedicated volunteer hours at local schools and organizations and committed serious time to fundraising and planning activities for my command's Morale Welfare and Recreation group.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Dowdall, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Dowdall is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My older brother is currently serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and my grandpa served in the U.S. Army,” said Dowdall. "My brother informed me of all the prestigious activities he participated in while serving his country, and it gave me a feeling of pride that I wanted to act on.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dowdall 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 I endure unique experiences while traveling with friendly people who are now my brothers and sisters,” added Dowdall. "I also get to gain life wisdom at a highly accelerated rate. Most importantly, it means I get to serve my country and have a job I enjoy.”
As a Navy aerographer's mate, Dowdall is responsible for providing meteorological and oceanographic support to ships and aircraft.
Dowdall credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Tonawanda.
“My hometown taught me how to be part of a team and work as one,” said Dowdall. "I went to a small high school and was on the wrestling team all throughout high school. Being a part of the wrestling team, I learned that the actions of one affects the outcome of all. This concept is in the back of my mind every day I serve in the Navy, both on and off duty."
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.”
Dowdall 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, Dowdall is most proud of earning Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter in January of 2018.
“I was proud to earn Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter because in order to do so, I had to go well above and beyond for typical sailors at my rank,” said Dowdall. "I finished my basic qualification in half the allotted time, led multiple workouts as an assistant command fitness leader, dedicated volunteer hours at local schools and organizations and committed serious time to fundraising and planning activities for my command's Morale Welfare and Recreation group.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Dowdall, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Dowdall is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My older brother is currently serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and my grandpa served in the U.S. Army,” said Dowdall. "My brother informed me of all the prestigious activities he participated in while serving his country, and it gave me a feeling of pride that I wanted to act on.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dowdall 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 I endure unique experiences while traveling with friendly people who are now my brothers and sisters,” added Dowdall. "I also get to gain life wisdom at a highly accelerated rate. Most importantly, it means I get to serve my country and have a job I enjoy.”