U.S. Fleet Forces Command Selects New Fleet Master Chief

From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) announced the selection of USFF fleet master chief July 30.

Adm. J. C. Harvey Jr. announced the selection of Fleet Master Chief (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens.

"I am grateful for the opportunity and humbled to be selected as the Fleet Forces fleet master chief," Stevens said. "I look forward to serving Admiral Harvey, the Sailors, DoD civilians and family members of Fleet Forces Command."

Stevens most recently served as the U.S. 2nd Fleet master chief.

"FLTCM Stevens is a proven deckplate leader with significant operational experience," Harvey said. "He has the background, savvy and judgment I need in my fleet master chief to ensure I'm kept fully informed of what's happening on the waterfront and in the Fleet. I'm also very confident that he won't be the least bit hesitant to give me the fleet Sailor's perspective on the many challenging issues we face today - a perspective I must always have as I go about my daily business."

Stevens fills the position previously held by Fleet Master Chief (SW/AW) Tom Howard, who will retire in November after 28 years of service.

"I'm very grateful for FLTCM Howard's many years of superb service to our Navy, particularly during this past year after I assumed command of U.S. Fleet Forces," Harvey said. "I wish Fleet Howard and his family nothing but the best and fair winds and following seas in the years ahead."

With his new assignment, Stevens becomes the command's senior enlisted advisor for more than 100,000 active duty and reserve personnel who serve on more than 285 ships and submarines and 79 shore activities within the U.S. Fleet Forces Command Area of Responsibility.

Stevens enlisted in the Navy in 1983 and has served in assignments including VQ-2, Rota Spain; Navy Recruiting District Minneapolis, Minn.; HM-14, Norfolk, Va.; HM-18, Norfolk, Va.; Aviation Schools Command, Pensacola Fla.; and HS-4, San Diego, Calif.

In October 2002, Stevens advanced to master chief and reported to VC-8, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico as the maintenance master chief and command master chief. In October 2003, Stevens reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola and assumed the duties as the base command master chief. In August 2006, he reported to HM-14 as the command master chief.

In September 2007, he was selected by Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic to serve as the wing command master chief for the Navy's largest helicopter wing. In January 2009, Stevens was selected as U.S. 2nd Fleet command master chief.

"As we move forward and continue to accomplish our mission with excellence as our standard, I remain optimistic about the future of our Navy and will do all I can as a leader to add value to an already outstanding organization," Stevens said.

Stevens' personal decorations include the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Naval Aircrew Wings, Meritorious Service Medal (fourth award) Navy Commendation Medal (fifth award), Navy Achievement Medal (sixth award), and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal with operational "O".