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 Zach Cobb, a 2017 Burke County High School graduate and native of Waynesboro, 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 aerographer's Mate, Cobb is responsible for for providing oceanographic analysis in support of anti submarine warfare, mine warfare, and naval special warfare operations worldwide.
Cobb credits success in the Navy to mans of the lessons learned growing up in Waynesboro.
“My hometown taught me how to improvise, adapt and overcome any obstacles that are thrown my way,” said Cobb.
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.”
Cobb 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, Cobb is most proud of obtaining the rank of petty officer third class.
“Hard work and dedication to my career, along with studying for long hours to pass the advancement exam to get promoted is how I accomplished this task,” said Cobb.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Cobb, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Cobb is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers served in the Air Force and my great-grandfather served in the Navy, said Cobb. “I wanted to carry on the tradition of selfless service to our country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Cobb 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 gives me a great sense of pride,” added Cobb. “Growing up in a small town, you have a very limited view of the real world. Joining the Navy gives you a much bigger picture.”
As a aerographer's Mate, Cobb is responsible for for providing oceanographic analysis in support of anti submarine warfare, mine warfare, and naval special warfare operations worldwide.
Cobb credits success in the Navy to mans of the lessons learned growing up in Waynesboro.
“My hometown taught me how to improvise, adapt and overcome any obstacles that are thrown my way,” said Cobb.
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.”
Cobb 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, Cobb is most proud of obtaining the rank of petty officer third class.
“Hard work and dedication to my career, along with studying for long hours to pass the advancement exam to get promoted is how I accomplished this task,” said Cobb.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Cobb, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Cobb is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers served in the Air Force and my great-grandfather served in the Navy, said Cobb. “I wanted to carry on the tradition of selfless service to our country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Cobb 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 gives me a great sense of pride,” added Cobb. “Growing up in a small town, you have a very limited view of the real world. Joining the Navy gives you a much bigger picture.”