Photo: Jennifer Hailes. Photo: Courtesy Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek
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.
Yellville native Jennifer Hailes 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 deputy technical director, Hailes is responsible for planning innovations and capabilities for the future.
Hailes says, “We do a lot of research and development for the command.”
Hailes credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Yellville.
She says, “I grew up on a cattle ranch in Arkansas. For my job here, I had to learn how to communicate with people from all walks of life. The grassroots I developed growing up helped me better relate to people from all different backgrounds.”
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and 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.
Rear Adm. John Okon, commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, says, “Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars. There isn’t a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”
Hailes 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.
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer says, “Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships. Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Hailes is most proud of shaping and influencing the people who have worked with and for her.
She says, “What’s really rewarding for me is when someone tells me that I was able to help mentor them in their own career.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hailes, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hailes is honored to carry on that family tradition.
Hailes says, “My dad was in the Army, my stepdad was in the Marine Corps and my grandfather was in the Navy. Also, my husband and I both served in the Air Force. My husband still serves in the Air Force Reserves as a C-130 pilot, working with the hurricane hunters.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hailes and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
She says, “I always wanted to give back to our country. I was always inspired by my stepfather who was gung-ho as a former Marine, and this is how I choose to serve.”
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