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 Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Branscum, a 1999 graduate of Warren High School of Warren, Texas, 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 oceanography officer, Branscum is responsible for assisting in manning, training and equipment while conducting hydrographic surveys.
Branscum credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Warren.
“Back home, I’ve learned that community, teamwork, hardwork and the value of others go a long way in the success of a mission,” said Branscum.
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.”
Branscum 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, Branscum is most proud of making aerographer’s mate third class.
“I had to take the advancement exam and score high enough to be promoted and it set the foundation which led to me being the technical leader I am today,” said Branscum.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Branscum, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Branscum is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandpa was in the Army during the Korean War,” said Branscum. “His stories fascinated me and his pride for service was motivational.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Branscum 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 everything to me,” said Branscum. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do and having the chance to follow in my grandfather's footsteps is the ultimate reward.”
As a Navy oceanography officer, Branscum is responsible for assisting in manning, training and equipment while conducting hydrographic surveys.
Branscum credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Warren.
“Back home, I’ve learned that community, teamwork, hardwork and the value of others go a long way in the success of a mission,” said Branscum.
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.”
Branscum 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, Branscum is most proud of making aerographer’s mate third class.
“I had to take the advancement exam and score high enough to be promoted and it set the foundation which led to me being the technical leader I am today,” said Branscum.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Branscum, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Branscum is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandpa was in the Army during the Korean War,” said Branscum. “His stories fascinated me and his pride for service was motivational.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Branscum 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 everything to me,” said Branscum. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do and having the chance to follow in my grandfather's footsteps is the ultimate reward.”