West Named as Next MCPON

Fleet Master Chief (SS/SW) Rick D. West has been selected to serve as the 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON). Adm. Gary Roughead, the chief of Naval Operations, announced his decision to tap West as the highest-ranking enlisted sailor on Dec. 5. During his 27-year Navy career, West most recently served as fleet master chief for the Pacific Fleet. During previous duty tours, he also served in the same capacity for the Atlantic Fleet, chief of the boat for the fast-attack submarine Portsmouth, command master chief on the destroyer Preble and Submarine Squadron 11, and force master chief of Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. He will succeed MCPON (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr., who is retiring.