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

Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), announced the selection of Fleet Master Chief (SS/SW) Rick West June 18 as U.S. Fleet Forces Command Fleet Master Chief (FLTCMC). “It is truly an honor to be here,” said West. This is my first time being stationed in Norfolk and I’m excited about all the positive energy coming off the waterfront along with the great naval history that the Hampton Roads area provides.”

West, a Rising Fawn, Ga., native, recently served as the U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief. Prior to that assignment, he was the Command Master Chief of USS Preble (DDG 88). He relieved Fleet Master Chief Jacqueline DiRosa to become USFF’s 14th Fleet Master Chief. DiRosa will now serve as the Director, Command Master Chief Management Office in Washington.

With his new assignment, West becomes the senior enlisted advisor for more than 97,000 active duty and Reserve enlisted personnel who serve on 150-plus ships and submarines and 79 shore activities within USFF’s area of responsibility.

West graduated from Northwest Georgia High School in 1981 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy. West received recruit training and quartermaster training in Orlando, Fla., followed by enlisted submarine school at Groton, Conn. His first duty assignment was on board USS Ethan Allen (SSN 608) where he completed submarine qualifications. Other assignments include USS Thomas Edison (SSN 610), USS Sea Devil (SSN 664), Commander Naval Activities United Kingdom, USS Tecumseh (SSBN 628)(Blue), and COMSUBPAC staff (TRE Team). West was then assigned as chief of the boat aboard the San Diego-based fast attack submarine, USS Portsmouth(SSN 707), completing two western Pacific deployments. The crew earned two Battle Efficiency “E” awards during his tour. West then served as Command Master Chief in Submarine Squadron 11. Upon completion of his tour at COMSUBRON 11 he was selected as force master chief (FORCM) and attended the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, R.I.

West served as FORCM for Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) from January 2001 to January 2004. West was then assigned to USS Preble (DDG 88) homeported in San Diego, where he completed a deployment to the Persian Gulf and qualified as enlisted surface warfare specialist. During this tour, West was selected to serve as the Pacific Fleet Fleet Master Chief. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), Enlisted Surface Warfare Insignia, Enlisted Submarine Insignia, and SSBN Deterrent Patrol Pin.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jerry Foltz, Fleet Forces Public Affairs