Oceanography Officers, also known as METOC, are Navy geophysical experts specializing in meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, and related fields. Their mission is to analyze and apply environmental data to support fleet and joint operations, ensuring navigation safety, operational access, and force lethality.
Key responsibilities include leading environmental data collection, processing, prediction, and dissemination, as well as leading teams of 3-400 personnel. They serve both at sea on vessels and ashore at command centers, research labs, and forecast centers worldwide.
Training involves courses like IWBC and BOAT, with opportunities for postgraduate education. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a technical field, completion of calculus and physics courses, and eligibility for security clearance. Career progression offers promotions and diverse operational experiences, with benefits and incentives aligned with Navy policies.