Michael Emmer, a native of Metairie, Louisiana, is one of the Navy civilians ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains freedom from the ocean to the stars at Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC).

Emmer currently serves as the director of requirements, plans and programs at METOC, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Emmer graduated from Jesuit High School of New Orleans in 1995. Additionally, Emmers earned a bachelor’s degree in geography in 2000 and a master’s degree in hydrographic science in 2016, both from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Emmer started a civil service career with the Navy 16 years ago.

“I became a Navy civilian because of my wife,” said Emmer. “She started as a Navy civilian right out of high school. I saw how fulfilling her job was and knew that working for the Navy was something that I wanted to do. I was working in the private sector doing geospatial work and had the opportunity to come over. I jumped at it. It is a way that I can give back to my country.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in a career with the Navy are similar to those found in Metairie.

“My high school prepared me for my professional career,” said Emmer. “While I wasn’t the best student, the skills and knowledge I learned at Jesuit translated into success both in college and professionally. Academically, they pushed you. What I learned and how I learned it really got me there. Having that work ethic of being proud of what you do and taking pride in your work also helps.”

According to Navy officials, sailors and civilians working throughout Naval Oceanography collect, measure, and analyze the elements of the physical environment (land, sea, air, space). They synthesize a vast array of oceanographic and meteorological data to produce forecasts and warnings in support of safety of flight and navigation.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Emmer supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Emmer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments as a Navy civilian.

“One of the proudest accomplishments from my time working for the Navy was qualifying as a hydrographer-in-charge,” said Emmer. “I love the job I do and working, but qualifying was a big accomplishment. This qualification meant that I would lead hydrographic survey teams of both military and civilian personnel. It was a huge step in my career because I was representing not only the command I worked for at the time, the Fleet Survey Team, but also the Navy. At Fleet Survey Team, that was the ultimate qualification.”

Emmer can take pride in serving America through government service.

“To me, working for the Navy isn’t just a job, it is a career,” said Emmer. “I began working for the Navy when I was 31. Before that, I worked for the private sector in the geospatial field, but once I started with the Navy I knew I found a career doing something that I loved. Both my wife and I are Navy civilians. Two of our children are looking into careers in the Navy with one currently studying hydrography and another starting hydrography after high school. I guess you could say that being a Navy civilian is in our family.”

Emmer is grateful to others for helping make a career supporting the Navy possible.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family,” added Emmer. “My parents emphasized my education. I could always go to my older brothers, Chris and Ed, for advice. I want to especially thank my wife, Mandy. The support she has given me is immeasurable. She and the former commanding officer of Fleet Survey Team conspired to send me to get my master’s degree. She has been a huge inspiration in my career.”