Steven Sopko

Steven Sopko has a diverse work experience in various roles related to meteorology, oceanography, and navigation. Steven started their career in 1988 in the US Navy as a Weather Forecaster and later served as an Operations Supervisor at the Naval Ice Center. Steven then became the Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Pacific Meteorology & Oceanography Detachment, where they managed personnel and budgets.

In 1999, they transitioned to the role of Deputy Superintendent at the Acoustics Division of the Naval Research Laboratory, where they managed and developed research programs in acoustics. Steven also attended the Naval Postgraduate School as a student from 1996 to 1998.

From 2001 to 2003, Sopko served as a Division Officer on the USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75), leading a team in providing meteorological and oceanographic support to the Carrier Strike Group. Steven then became the Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Atlantic Meteorology & Oceanography Professional Development Detachment, where they updated training modules and developed instructor guides.

In 2004, Sopko took on the role of Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Maritime Forecast Activity, where they consolidated Navy maritime forecasting services and improved forecast delivery times. Steven then became the Force Oceanographer for the Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, providing METOC support and overseeing operations for the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.

From 2006 to 2007, Sopko served as the Fleet Oceanographer & Deputy N3/N5 for U.S. Second Fleet, advising the Fleet Commander on meteorological and oceanographic impacts. Steven then became the Deputy Navigator of the Navy on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff, overseeing navigation policy and funding for positioning, navigation, and timing programs.

From 2009 to 2012, Sopko worked as an Acquisition Program Analyst for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, & Acquisition, providing oversight and advice on various acquisition programs. Steven then became the Deputy Director of the Ocean Battlespace Sensing S&T Department, Office of Naval Research, managing a portfolio of research programs and overseeing research vessels and collaborations with universities and other agencies.

From 2014 to 2016, Sopko served as the Commanding Officer of the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, responsible for issuing tropical cyclone forecasts and warnings for the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins.

In 2018, Sopko joined Cydecor, Inc. as a Senior Research Analyst at the Office of Naval Research, focusing on marine research. Steven is currently working as a Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Senior Analyst at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

Steven Sopko earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M University, where they studied from 1984 to 1988. Steven later pursued a Master of Science degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School, attending from 1996 to 1998.