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 1st Class David Basilio, a 2003 graduate of Salem High School of Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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, Basilio is responsible for serving aboard survey vessels and planes to scan the water for information.
Basilio credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Virginia Beach.
“Virginia Beach being a big military town and the feeling of family from the military folks there gives a sense of cohesion that influenced me forever,” said Basilio.
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.”
Basilio 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, Basilio is most proud of obtaining his naval aviation observer pin.
“I was able to get airborne during a coastal survey with a civilian team and was able to go to locations normal folks in my field wouldn't go,” said Basilio. “It is rare that someone in my field obtains this qualification.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Basilio, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Basilio is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have family members in every branch,” said Basilio. “My dad was a storekeeper first class. My uncle, who was my biggest influence to serve, was a submariner and he passed away while I was shipped out to bootcamp.”
As a Navy aerographer's mate, Basilio is responsible for serving aboard survey vessels and planes to scan the water for information.
Basilio credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Virginia Beach.
“Virginia Beach being a big military town and the feeling of family from the military folks there gives a sense of cohesion that influenced me forever,” said Basilio.
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.”
Basilio 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, Basilio is most proud of obtaining his naval aviation observer pin.
“I was able to get airborne during a coastal survey with a civilian team and was able to go to locations normal folks in my field wouldn't go,” said Basilio. “It is rare that someone in my field obtains this qualification.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Basilio, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Basilio is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have family members in every branch,” said Basilio. “My dad was a storekeeper first class. My uncle, who was my biggest influence to serve, was a submariner and he passed away while I was shipped out to bootcamp.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Basilio and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The opportunity to serve on survey ships and coastal surveying aircraft has really opened my eyes to opportunities that the normal sailor doesn’t have,” added Basilio.