Cmdr. Casey Gon, a native of Cheektowaga, New York, is one of the sailors ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains freedom from the ocean to the stars at Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC).

Gon currently serves as a METOC officer at METOC, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Gon graduated from Cheektawaga Central High School in 1999. Additionally, Gon earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2003, an MBA from Salve Regina University in 2009, a master’s degree in meteorology and oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2013 and a doctorate degree in oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2019.

Gon joined the Navy 21 years ago.

“I joined the Navy to be part of something bigger,” said Gon. “I have a lot of Air Force in my family but I was exposed to the Naval Academy too. The Navy interested me because I liked the idea of being on the water and studying the water.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cheektowaga.

“Growing up, I learned the value of hard work,” said Gon. “That’s the one thing about Western New York, you learn that hard work will get you where you need to go. It’s gotten me everywhere and everything I’ve achieved is because of the hard work I put in. Some other lessons were to look out for people, take care of people and treat people how you want to be treated.”

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.

Gon serves 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.”

Gon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest moment was when the Chief's Mess made me an honorary chief,” said Gon. “They appreciated the way I looked out for the sailors and cared about the mission. They thought I embodied the values of a chief petty officer. It was humbling. It’s a point of pride for me and it’s a very personal accomplishment.”

Gon can take pride in serving America through military service.

“I’ve given my whole adult life to serving in the Navy,” said Gon. “I went to the Academy at 18 and I’m 43 now. I’ve never lived a day out of uniform. The country has given us this responsibility to protect our way of life and it’s incredible. The idea that we’re entrusted to protect the opportunities our future generations have – I can’t think of anything more important. It’s an honor and a huge responsibility and I love it.”

Gon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my family, my mom, dad, sister, aunts, uncles and grandparents, they’re the foundation of everything,” said Gon. “I want to thank my wife, Casey, as well, for being there and being incredibly supportive. She knows this is incredibly important to me and she supports what I’m doing.”