STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – Lt. Cody Pearson, a native of Dale, Oklahoma, 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).

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

Pearson graduated from Dale High School in 2006. Additionally, Pearson earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from The Citadel in 2016.

Pearson joined the Navy 13 years ago.

“I joined the Navy to redirect the course that my life was going and to gain technical skills,” said Pearson. “I was adrift. Joining the Navy sent me down a course where I was able to set my goals and achieve them. I was part of a team that’s larger than myself and greatly contributes to the defense of this country.”

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

“I grew up surrounded by people who worked extremely hard and I carried that work ethic with me into the Navy,” said Pearson. “It’s allowed me to go above and beyond what the mission has required.”

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.

Pearson 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.”

Pearson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was being selected for STA-21, a highly competitive commissioning program, and earning my commission,” said Pearson. “I’m also proud that I graduated with honors, summa cum laude, with my electrical engineering degree.”

Pearson also was selected to the Secretary of the Navy Tours with Industry program and spent a year as a military fellow working at FedEx headquarters in Memphis. In January 2024, Pearson went to Antarctica with the Peruvian Navy on a scientific expedition as part of a foreign partnership.

Pearson can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of a team that’s greater than myself alone,” said Pearson. “The contributions I make to that team go on to serve the global good.”

Pearson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my family back home,” said Pearson. “They’ve given me nothing but support, especially during difficult times in my life. The Navy wasn’t my initial life plan out of high school, but they supported my decision. I want to thank my wife, Brooke, for putting up with me. She’s been supportive and has weathered the challenges that come along with being a military spouse.”