STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – Brandin Walker, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a civilian serving alongside sailors ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains freedom from the ocean to the stars at Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC).
Walker graduated from Southern University in both 2007 and 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication.
Walker currently serves as a public affairs specialist at METOC, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. He also serves in the Army Reserve as a major. Walker previously served three years in the National Guard and seven years active duty in the Army.
“It was an easy transition from my military background into civil service,” said Walker. “Becoming a government employee has a similar structure to when I was in the military. I’m expected to do my job and I can do my job without the interference of office politics.”
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.
Walker supports 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.”
Walker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during government and military service.
“Early in my time here, I’ve seen an increase in appreciation from the staff for my graphic capabilities,” said Walker. “It’s one thing to be able to create something but to be able to make a product quickly is something that can be appreciated at a high-tempo command. From my military service, my greatest accomplishment is ongoing because I love promoting soldiers. To be able to be a part of a soldier’s career path and help them advance is something that I don’t take lightly, and I feel honored to be a part of.”
Walker can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the military means having honor,” said Walker. “Honor is one of those aspects that truly never changes based on the time period that we are in. It is something that we pursue constantly and it is part of the DNA of military service, no matter what branch we are in. We are a volunteer organization that is strengthened by the fact that honor becomes the backbone of what we do. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve in our armed forces.
“It’s nothing that is forced, it’s passed on formally. Men and women of all backgrounds, cultures, income brackets and education levels all raise their right hand and say the same oath that makes us all equal in the eyes of our military service. Rank doesn’t dictate honor, time and service. Every military person has a chance to either be worthy of that honor or fall short.”
Walker is also proud of serving the country as a civil servant.
“Being a civil servant means continuity,” said Walker. “We are always seeing shifts in leadership and policies, things that affect a lot of people widely. Civil servants are the continuity that keeps military commands, government bodies and even presidential offices conditioned in what the government is supposed to be.”
Walker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Pamela Miller, because she has continuously taught me lessons beyond what a parent should do,” added Walker. “She has given me advice as a retired non-commissioned officer, guided me as a parent who became a parent and made sacrifices so her children could live a better life than she had. Most of all, she has become the voice of reason that I rely on, as I continue to be the best person I can be.”