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Meet Rear Admiral John Okon

RDML John Okon is a native of Syracuse, taught me honest self-assessment, stew- you must learn to connect. It is the num-

NY, and holds degrees in Meteorology ardship matters, and recon? rmed a les- ber one attribute that stands between and Oceanography from State University son from my Father, hardwork is a tal- you and success. Second, Two Souls of New York Maritime College and Naval ent equalizer. Sarge was my Executive Indivisible by James Hirsch. This book

Post Graduate School and National Secu- Of? cer while I was stationed on USS is a chilling story of two good men that rity and Strategic Studies from the US Na- DWIGHT D EISENHOWER. did not let race or background stand be- val War College. He commanded Naval tween them, their call to duty, and their

Oceanography Antisubmarine Warfare If you had best advice for young commitment to each other. Fred Cherry

Center in Yokosuka, Japan and Fleet Nu- people thinking of pursuing a career and Porter Halyburton showed how merical Meteorology and Oceanography in oceanography, what would it be? good men can achieve greatness during

Center in Monterey, California. Admiral Reach out to your Navy. Naval Ocean- the worst conditions. I had the pleasure

Okon is currently the 11th Commander ography is hiring! Oceanography is an to study at the Naval War College and of Naval Meteorology and Oceanography exciting broad and diverse ? eld. Find heard ? rst hand their story and saw their

Command and 23rd Oceanographer of the your passion, be committed, and accept unrelenting bond.

Navy. He is married to Valerie Gessner the lifestyle that comes with it.

Okon and they reside in Pass Christian, Outside of the job, what do you

Mississippi. If you had to recommend one good enjoy doing in your spare time? book, what would it be and why? Running long distance, woodworking

Who do you count as the key I’ll give you two. First is Everyone and playing golf with my wife. Outside mentor(s) in your career, explaining Communicates Few Connect by John of that, our three Labrador Retrievers what you gained from them. Maxwell. Leadership is innately per- keep us busy throwing the ball and long

VADM John “Sarge” Alexander. Sarge sonal. If you want to lead and in? uence, walks!

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