Fleet Master Chief James Honea, the senior enlisted leader of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has been selected to serve as the 16th Master Chief Officer of the Navy (MCPON). Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday made the announcement during the Navy Flag Officer and Senior Executive Service Symposium at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland March 10.
Honea will assume the role as the Navy’s senior-most enlisted leader during a Sept. 8 ceremony.
“I selected Fleet Master Chief Honea because he has saltwater in his veins, embodies Navy values in every fiber of his being, and is the right leader to inspire and motivate our Chiefs Mess to continue to be the best in the world,” Gildea said. “I know he will and I will work together to take care of our sailors and ensure our Navy is the most formidable across the globe.”
After enlisting in 1987, Honea went on to serve as a boatswain’s mate at sea on the amphibious transport tocks Juneau and Dubuque, and the amphibious assault ship Bon Homme Richard. He also was command master chief on the destroyer Gridley, amphibious transport dock New Orleans, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, and Naval Forces Korea. He comes to his new job from U.S. Pacific Fleet, where he was fleet master chief. The current MCPON, Russell L. Smith, will retire.
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