Petty Officer 2nd Class Shaun Eye, a 2000 Tucker County High School graduate and native of Parsons, West Virginia, is one of those responsible for providing timely, comprehensive and tactically relevant information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands operating throughout the globe.
By Alvin Plexico
Navy Office of Community Outreach
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.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Shaun Eye, a 2000 Tucker County High School graduate and native of Parsons, West Virginia, 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 yeoman, Eye is responsible for administering awards, performance reports, instructions and other documents.
Eye credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Parsons.
“Growing up in Parsons, I learned the importance of treating everyone with respect and to do your job to the best of your abilities,” said Eye.
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.”
Eye 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, Eye is most proud of earning his Enlisted Surface and Aviation Warfare qualifications.
“I had to study and do my job to the best of my ability to learn what was needed for the qualifications,” said Eye.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Eye, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Eye is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My dad and uncle both served in the Navy,” said Eye. “They both talked about the opportunities available in the Navy, and that influenced me to join.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Eye and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I’m proud to serve my country and enjoy going to new places and meeting new people,” added Eye.
