US NAVY

From 2005 to 2012, Robert Speta proudly served as a United States Navy Aerographer’s Mate, developing his expertise in meteorology through both formal naval training and real-world, high-pressure operational environments. His experience ranged from taking observations during a tornado strike at an active airfield to forecasting radiation dispersion following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan.

Robert’s performance in the U.S. Navy led to early promotions and the awarding of multiple Naval Achievement Medals. Among his most notable contributions were providing high-resolution micro-forecasts in support of Navy divers recovering the sunken ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772) following the 2010 torpedo attack, as well as delivering critical operational weather support during the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami recovery efforts.

In 2012, Robert was recommended for a prestigious assignment at Camp David, providing weather support for Marine One in direct service to the President of the United States. Instead, he chose to transition from operational forecasting to broadcast meteorology, allowing him to share his passion for weather, science, and communication with a global audience.

Robert returned to supporting U.S. Navy operations as a contract meteorologist with Atmospheric Systems Technology in 2019 - 2022, providing meteorological services at Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida—bringing his career full circle while continuing to serve both the public and the mission.