STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Cole, a native of Hixson, Tennessee, is one of the sailors ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains freedom from the ocean to the stars at Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC).
Cole currently serves as a yeoman at METOC, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
Cole graduated from Soddy Daisy High School in 2010. Additionally, Cole earned an associate degree in legal studies from American Military University in 2023 and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in financial management.
Cole joined the Navy nine years ago.
“After years in the private sector, I didn’t feel like I was on the path to a fulfilling career,” said Cole. “The Navy offered numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth while providing financial support for my educational goals.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hixson, where Cole’s father and stepmother, Shannon Cole, reside.
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| Photo by Brandin Walker |
Cole currently serves as a yeoman at METOC, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
Cole graduated from Soddy Daisy High School in 2010. Additionally, Cole earned an associate degree in legal studies from American Military University in 2023 and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in financial management.
Cole joined the Navy nine years ago.
“After years in the private sector, I didn’t feel like I was on the path to a fulfilling career,” said Cole. “The Navy offered numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth while providing financial support for my educational goals.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hixson, where Cole’s father and stepmother, Shannon Cole, reside.
“Growing up, my father, Tony Cole, would say, ‘You could either work your mind or work your body,’” said Cole. “If I brought home a bad grade, my punishment would be doing yard work all weekend. Today, this lesson has proven to be invaluable. The demands of Navy life require both mental acuity and physical endurance. Whenever I face a challenging situation, I remember my father’s advice.”
According to Navy officials, sailors and civilians working throughout Naval Oceanography collect, measure, and analyze the elements of the physical environment (land, sea, air, space). They synthesize a vast array of oceanographic and meteorological data to produce forecasts and warnings in support of safety of flight and navigation.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Cole serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Cole has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been advocating for service members facing mental health challenges,” said Cole. “Working to raise awareness and improve support systems for those struggling has been fulfilling and impactful.”
Cole can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Every day I’m given the opportunity to be a better person for not only myself but for friends and family as well,” said Cole. “I feel that the Navy has had a lot of influence on my motivation to strive for improvement, so I’ll happily continue to serve for as long as that motivation lasts.”
Cole is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to give a huge shout-out to my amazing wife, Elijohana, who also serves in the Navy and is my biggest influencer,” said Cole. “I also would like to thank my sister, Caitlin, who just recently got engaged. Lastly, I’m deeply grateful to my parents, Tony Cole and Heather Riopel, my friends back home and my fellow service members. Your support means everything to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you.”