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. Cody Rigney, a 2012 Veterans High School graduate and native of Warner Robins, Georgia, 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 meteorology and oceanography officer, Rigney is responsible for ensuring the Navy has the weather and oceanographic information they need to perform their missions.
Rigney credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Warner Robins.
“From my hometown I learned to always respect everyone and to be humble,” said Rigney.
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.”
Rigney 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, Rigney is most proud of earning his surface warfare officer qualification and subsequently being accepted into the meteorology and oceanography community.
“I had to earn my surface warfare qualification while serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, and then I applied to the meteorology and oceanography community,” said Rigney. "I believe my degree in marine science helped me get accepted into this community."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Rigney, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Rigney is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Air Force for 30 years as a flight engineer and retired as a chief master sergeant,” said Rigney. "His service influenced me to want to serve, as well. Also, my great-grandfather served in the Navy before World War II."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Rigney and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I've always wanted to serve my country,” added Rigney. "I've always liked the ocean, which is why I chose the Navy. I'm thankful that I get to serve my country and serve others."
As a meteorology and oceanography officer, Rigney is responsible for ensuring the Navy has the weather and oceanographic information they need to perform their missions.
Rigney credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Warner Robins.
“From my hometown I learned to always respect everyone and to be humble,” said Rigney.
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.”
Rigney 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, Rigney is most proud of earning his surface warfare officer qualification and subsequently being accepted into the meteorology and oceanography community.
“I had to earn my surface warfare qualification while serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, and then I applied to the meteorology and oceanography community,” said Rigney. "I believe my degree in marine science helped me get accepted into this community."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Rigney, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Rigney is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Air Force for 30 years as a flight engineer and retired as a chief master sergeant,” said Rigney. "His service influenced me to want to serve, as well. Also, my great-grandfather served in the Navy before World War II."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Rigney and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I've always wanted to serve my country,” added Rigney. "I've always liked the ocean, which is why I chose the Navy. I'm thankful that I get to serve my country and serve others."