Military

Meet the New Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

March 11, 2022Maggie BenZvi
MCPON

Fleet Master Chief James Honea will become the next master chief petty officer of the Navy on Sept. 8, 2022. Official Navy bio picture.

The Navy named a career boatswain’s mate as the service’s most senior chief. Fleet Master Chief James Honea will become the 16th master chief petty officer of the Navy on Sept. 8.


Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday announced Honea’s selection Thursday, March 10.


“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,” Gilday said in a press release. “I know he and I will work together to take care of our Sailors and ensure our Navy is the most formidable across the globe.”


master chief petty officer
Fleet Master Chief James Honea has been selected as the next master chief petty officer of the Navy. Official Navy bio picture.

Honea enlisted in the Navy in 1987 and became a boatswain’s mate on the USS John A. Moore. He also served on board USS Juneau, USS Dubuque, and USS Bonhomme Richard. He held command master chief positions on USS Gridley and USS New Orleans. Honea deployed to Afghanistan as command master chief, US Navy Embedded Training Teams, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix. He has also been command master chief for Naval Forces Korea, US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5th Fleet. Before his current posting, he was fleet master chief of US Pacific Fleet.


He has been awarded the Legion of Merit Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.


master chief petty officer
Current Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith has served in the position since 2018. Official Navy bio picture.

Honea will be replacing current MCPON Russell Smith, who has held the position since August 2018. The MCPON is the most senior enlisted service member in the Navy. Similar roles are held in other services by Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Troy Black, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass.


The highest-ranking enlisted soldier in the entire US military is the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position that is held on a rotating basis by members of each service. Currently that position is held by an Air Force pararescue specialist, Chief Master Sgt. Ramón Colón-López.


Read Next: Navy Must Review Thousands of Bad Paper Discharges for Sailors and Marines



Maggie BenZvi
Maggie BenZvi

Maggie BenZvi is a contributing editor for Coffee or Die. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in human rights from Columbia University, and has worked for the ACLU as well as the International Rescue Committee. She has also completed a summer journalism program at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. In addition to her work at Coffee or Die, she’s a stay-at-home mom and, notably, does not drink coffee. Got a tip? Get in touch!

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
From the Team Room to Team Room Design: An Operator’s Creative Journey

BRCC partners with Team Room Design for an exclusive T-shirt release!

Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved