Lanoka Harbor’s Matthew Lembo is our Warrior of the Week

Townsquare Media and the Jay & Linda Grunin Foundation are teaming up to salute our local heroes with our Warrior of the Week program.

Congratulations to Lanoka Harbor's Matthew Lembo, our Warrior of the Week for the week of September 9th, 2019.

Lt. j.g. Matthew Lembo, a 2012 Lacey Township High School graduate and native of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, is one of those responsible for providing timely, comprehensive and tactically relevant information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands operating throughout the globe.
As a Navy meteorology and oceanography officer, Lembo is responsible for leading a division that conducts shallow-water beach surveys.

Lembo credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Lanoka Harbor.

“I learned the importance of hard work from my hometown,” said Lembo.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. “There isn't a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”

Lembo is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways to earn distinction in a command, community and career, Lembo is most proud of his selection as a meteorological officer.

“I studied oceanography at the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in 2017,” said Lembo.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Lembo and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

"Serving in the Navy means being part of something greater than myself and giving back to society,” added Lembo.By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

STENNIS, Ms. – Most Americans rely on weather forecasts to plan their daily routine. The U.S. Navy is no different. With numerous ships, submarines and airplanes deployed around the world, sailors and civilians serving with the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, advise Navy leaders about the impact of ocean and atmospheric conditions on future operations.

Congratulations to Matthew Lembo, our Warrior of the Week.

Do you know a deserving past or present military member? Nominate them now. Every Military Monday, we’ll share one of the nominations and honor that person as our Warrior of the Week.

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