From the title of the branch, you’d think the meteorology service only studies weather, but it covers the whole ocean too!
Tucson Navy Week has occurred only 5 times in the past 20 years. There are only 15 Navy weeks in the States, yet this one held extra significance being it was the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday. Navy Week sends sailors to different educational events throughout the city to inspire and inform the future leaders of America.
On Tuesday, February 19th, 3 representatives from the Navy came to promote STEM in the Navy and in the military. Science, technology, engineering, and math are essential throughout the military to, “…increase our capabilities and make sure that we can be the dominant power over the oceans,” one member shared. They talked about topics such as meteorology, oceanography, planes, boats, submarines, basic training, jobs, and military projects.
The representatives are based out of Monterey, California at a site called Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center. The location contains multiple global and regional weather and ocean models used to simulate possible atmospheric and underwater conditions. FINMOC is critical to the safety of the US Navy. One representative said, “…these are things that we’re doing for the customers, for the pilots, for anybody that’s operating, because they can’t just pull out their phone and get the information they need.”
Unbeknownst to most, you don’t have to do basic training and serve to enlist in the military, you can apply for an officer position. All services offer officer jobs, and while it may not be a straight shot to your dream position, it’s the best option for those not fit for those first 10 weeks. One serviceman said, “…they gave me an option of ‘Hey, you can go drive ships for 3 years, and then you can become a meteorologist.’ ‘Sounds good to me, it’s the science I want!'”
The day-to-day life on a ship isn’t what it’s shaped up to be. Food is scarce and poorly tasting, seasickness is abundant, and responsibilities get repetitive. There can be up to 5,000+ soldiers on a ship, making for crowded, stressful, and fast-paced environments. When asked what he thought of the presentation, sophomore Armando Martinez shared, “It was good. I liked it, it’s very informational, but it’s sad and depressing also. It’s important but at the same time, it’s not my strong suit.”
The most interesting thing spoken about was their military project, which measured wave patterns. One of the meteorologists said that buoys were, “…tossed off the back of a boat with 50 other buoys that looked similar. It had a dog tracker in it. The accelerometers sense the motion of an object.” This project showcased to students how important meteorology is to the Navy.
The U.S. Navy is essential to our country’s sea safety. Meteorologists and sailors put in innumerable amounts of hours to protect us and our waters. Say thank you to your local serviceman today.
