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 |
Chief Petty Officer Dan Hicks, a 2002 Uxbridge High School graduate and native of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, 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, Hicks is responsible for forecasting the weather for the Navy.
Hicks credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Uxbridge.
“From my hometown I learned the importance of family,” said Hicks. "In the Navy we're family, especially in my job which is a small community."
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.”
Hicks 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, Hicks is most proud of earning the rank of chief petty officer.
“It doesn't take one person to get to this rank,” said Hicks. "It's not really a personal accomplishment. It's the sailors I worked with along with my leaders who poured into me."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hicks, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hicks is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My cousin was in the Navy, and my great-grandfather was in the Navy,” said Hicks. "My brother-in-law is in the Air Force."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hicks 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 that I get to serve for my family and honor those who have gone before me,” added Hicks. "Putting on this uniform gives me a great deal of pride."
As an aerographer's mate, Hicks is responsible for forecasting the weather for the Navy.
Hicks credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Uxbridge.
“From my hometown I learned the importance of family,” said Hicks. "In the Navy we're family, especially in my job which is a small community."
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.”
Hicks 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, Hicks is most proud of earning the rank of chief petty officer.
“It doesn't take one person to get to this rank,” said Hicks. "It's not really a personal accomplishment. It's the sailors I worked with along with my leaders who poured into me."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hicks, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hicks is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My cousin was in the Navy, and my great-grandfather was in the Navy,” said Hicks. "My brother-in-law is in the Air Force."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hicks 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 that I get to serve for my family and honor those who have gone before me,” added Hicks. "Putting on this uniform gives me a great deal of pride."