Lt. j.g. Leia Peffer, a native of Grafton, Ohio, 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), headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Peffer currently serves as a METOC officer.

Peffer graduated from Midview High School in 2016. Additionally, Peffer earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2021.

Peffer joined the Navy four years ago.

“I joined the Navy for a challenge and an adventure,” said Peffer. “The Navy offered the opportunity to travel the world via ship, which was something different since air travel is something anyone can do on a daily basis.”

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

“Grafton is a small town and that led to me wanting something more, which is why I decided to join the Navy,” said Peffer. “It’s a small town with limited resources, so I had to find ways to make myself competitive. I also learned growing up that you can achieve anything you put effort toward.”

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.

Peffer 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.”

Peffer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud of earning my Surface Warfare Officer qualification,” said Peffer. “It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears to earn that. There’s nothing like commanding a warship across the world. The coolest thing about being out on the ship is that you will never see stars like you see out in the middle of the ocean.”

Peffer can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of purpose and the feeling that there’s something greater than myself,” said Peffer.

Peffer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without my mom and dad, Lynne and Greg, and their continued support of my crazy, adventurous personality,” said Peffer. “When I brought the idea of joining the Navy to them, they were like, ‘Wait, let’s think about this.’ But they’ve supported me every step of the way. I also want to thank my mentor, Chief Damage Controlman Shelly Matlock. I wouldn’t be here today without her because she’s the one who got me to the finish line of getting my Surface Warfare Officer qualification.”

Peffer plans to continue their education while serving in the Navy.

“A personal goal of mine is to obtain a graduate degree prior to finishing my tour here,” added Peffer. “I’d like to do something in the medical field eventually.”