Fort Schuyler Magazine

FEATURE

RADM JOHN A. OKON ’91 CHARTING HIS COURSE, HELPING OTHERS FIND THEIRS

S ervice to one’s country is worthy of the highest level of acclaim. And SUNY Maritime College alumnus RADM John Okon ’91 has well earned his honors. That he continues to exude a spirit of enthusiastic service three decades into his naval career bespeaks the legacy of his alma mater to which he unabashedly attests. Yet, he never envisioned his current career path until years after he graduated Maritime. His initial passion was broadcast meteorology. “I wanted to be the next Al Roker,” says RADM Okon. Neither a naval nor a merchant marine career were on Okon’s radar as a student. What attracted this young man from Camillus, New York to SUNY Maritime was a dual degree offering in meteorology and oceanography. In addition to a brother in the Navy and one in the Coast Guard, John’s older brother, Stanley Okon ’88, entered

his first-class year at Maritime as John graduated INDOC in 1987.

BY DON GALE

Okon admits that he could have applied more disciplined work and study principles through high school. Motivated by his academic goal and the curriculum’s rigor, he realized the value of these attributes growing on him as he diligently bore into his studies in his MUG year. His own savings plus loan proceeds covered costs for his first year at Maritime. A scholarship through the U.S. Navy ROTC program covering the remaining three years became his reward once he got down to business with studying and discovered he could earn very commendable grades. Wholeheartedly embracing Maritime’s STEM curriculum, Okon also developed and grew his leadership skills ascending the ranks of the Regiment. He served as Cadet Third Officer on his First Class

22 Fall 2022 Fort Schuyler