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 Melissa Ortiz, a 2005 Wichita West High School graduate and native of Wichita, Kansas, 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, Ortiz is responsible for providing atmospheric and oceanographic forecasts of the environment.
Ortiz credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Wichita.
“Growing up in Wichita, I learned the importance of being dedicated to what you're trying to accomplish,” said Ortiz.
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.”
Ortiz 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, Ortiz is most proud of her selection as a chief petty officer this year.
“I earned this achievement based on the guidance and mentorship that I received in my career,” said Ortiz. "They provided a culture where I could grow, and they motivated me and pushed me past my limits."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Ortiz, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Ortiz is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers served in the military,” said Ortiz. "I remember seeing a photo of my grandfather in uniform. He's a very quiet individual, but in this picture he looked so proud and had a lot of confidence. I knew then that I wanted to feel like he looked in that picture."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Ortiz 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 military is my calling, and has been since I was very young,” added Ortiz. "Now that I've been doing this for nine years, I feel like it's my duty to continue serving to protect our freedoms around the world."
As an aerographer's mate, Ortiz is responsible for providing atmospheric and oceanographic forecasts of the environment.
Ortiz credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Wichita.
“Growing up in Wichita, I learned the importance of being dedicated to what you're trying to accomplish,” said Ortiz.
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.”
Ortiz 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, Ortiz is most proud of her selection as a chief petty officer this year.
“I earned this achievement based on the guidance and mentorship that I received in my career,” said Ortiz. "They provided a culture where I could grow, and they motivated me and pushed me past my limits."
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Ortiz, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Ortiz is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers served in the military,” said Ortiz. "I remember seeing a photo of my grandfather in uniform. He's a very quiet individual, but in this picture he looked so proud and had a lot of confidence. I knew then that I wanted to feel like he looked in that picture."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Ortiz 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 military is my calling, and has been since I was very young,” added Ortiz. "Now that I've been doing this for nine years, I feel like it's my duty to continue serving to protect our freedoms around the world."