San Diego - Nov 2019: Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate Jessica Saunders, from Belfast, Maine, assigned to Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) participates in a community relations project at the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank during Fleet Week San Diego (Navy photo by MCS 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffWhen Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate Jessica Saunders attends her E-9 advancement ceremony in the coming days, she will become the first active-duty female sailor to achieve the grade of master chief.
“This is not only a significant milestone for my naval career, but for all sailors,” Saunders said when she heard the news. “The glass ceiling is shattered! From the day I enlisted, I understood that with hard work, motivational leadership, and a warfighter mentality, I could achieve my goals and help better our Navy for future generations.”
Saunders joined the Navy in 2001 on the delayed-entry program and has served on the destroyer Cole, and the cruisers Cowpens and Lake Champlain.
Shore billets include stints at: Naval Weapons Station Sigonella’s (Italy) weapons department; the security detachment at Mayport Naval Station, Florida; Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One; and Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet. She has served as ammunition supply administration and ordnance officer instructor and ETC departmental leading petty officer at Surface Combat Systems Training Command San Diego.
“Back in the 1990s when I reported aboard my first ship as gunnery officer, there were no females at the time in the armory,” said Capt. Justin Long, commander of the San Diego unit. As I retire later this summer from the navy, I’m so proud to see outstanding sailors and leaders, like GMCS Saunders, at the highest levels of their communities. Congratulations GMCS Saunders on continuing to blaze a trail for female sailors from all backgrounds and walks of life.”
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