STENNIS, MISSISSIPPI. — A 2014 Pleasant Valley graduate is based at the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, advising Navy leaders about the impact of ocean and atmospheric conditions on future operations.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brady Myszkowski, a native of Jonas, 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 an aerographer’s mate, Myszkowski is responsible for aiding in the fight against the adversary’s submarines while tying weather into the equation.

Myszkowski credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Jonas.

“I learned from my hometown, to keep the drive to do something even if you don’t want to,” said Myszkowski.

The nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans, according to naval officials. 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.”

Myszkowski 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.

Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Myszkowski is most proud of making petty officer second class.

“I was proud of that because I was not very familiar with the information on the exam,” said Myszkowski. “I just read the references for it, asked people around me a thousand questions and hoped for the best.”

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Myszkowski, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Myszkowski is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“My grandfather is the closest family member to serve in the military,” Myszkowski said. “I heard stories secondhand from my mother, and it was one of the factors that led me to pursue the Navy.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Myszkowski and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means that I’ve been able to travel around and visit other countries and be immersed in vastly different cultures,” added Myszkowski. “The best part of serving here would be how diverse the people are. Everyone has a very unique personality and it keeps the time here interesting.”