MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Chase Kurey, a native of Stockton, California, reenlisted after completing aerographer's mate C-school course at Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Keesler on Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.
The course is nine months long and once completed the sailors qualify as Navy meteorologist and oceanographers.

Kurey joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Kurey serves as an aerographer's mate.

“I joined the Navy to pursue a higher education and have a stable career in order to provide for myself and my family,” said Kurey.

Growing up in Stockton, Kurey attended Bear Creek High School and graduated in 2009. Today, Kurey relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Stockton to succeed in the military.

"Growing up, I had a positive outlook and hard work ethic instilled in me," said Kurey. “My family also encouraged me to follow my interests and learn from those around me.”

These lessons have helped Kurey while serving with the Navy.

The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command direct and oversees more than 2,500 globally distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

Whether operating in the air, at sea or underwater, Navy equipment, people and decision-making all rely on the technical and tactical advice of Navy Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) members.

Naval Oceanography encompasses a wide range of missions crucial to supporting today's Naval fleet. They include oceanography, hydrography, meteorology, climate science, geospatial information science, astrometry, Earth orientation and precise time.

As a member of the Navy, Kurey is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy’s forward presence around the world helps to ensure our national security as well as the ability to offer assistance and protection to our allies,” said Kurey.

Kurey and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I am most proud of helping to train and qualify junior sailors and being able to see them succeed,” said Kurey.

As Kurey and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

"Serving in the Navy is about being a part of a great team and providing a better quality of life for myself and my family," added Kurey.