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MNC (SW) Christopher L. Ricks

Senior Enlisted Leader, Mine Countermeasures Division 31 (COMCMDIV 31)

10 October 2020

Christopher Ricks
Chief Christopher Ricks
Christopher Ricks
Chief Christopher Ricks
Chief Christopher Ricks
Photo By: CNSP
VIRIN: 210304-N-N0831-0004
Christopher Ricks is a native of Bethesda, MD and grew up in the the Idaho Falls, ID area. He enlisted in the Navy after high school in June 2002. He entered Recruit Training on 24 June 2002 and then attended MN “A” School in Ingleside, TX. He finished second in his class for overall GPA. His first assignment was to Mobile Mine Assembly Unit (MOMAU) 1 in Seal Beach, CA.

He worked in the Mine Production Shop and was a primary member of the MOMAU Command Assembly Team (CAT). He was awarded Blue Jacket of the Quarter and Blue Jacket of the Year for his efforts. In 2005, Petty Officer Ricks transferred to USS Patriot (MCM-7) in Sasebo, JA and advanced to Petty Officer Third Class shortly after checking onboard.

He served as the primary SQQ-32 SONAR Operator/Maintainer in the Combat Information Center (CIC). He completed several Mine Warfare Exercises/Operations in support of Forward Deployed Naval Forces. He qualified as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS). In 2007, Petty Officer Ricks was selected to start the Mine Warfare (MIW) Mission Package Program at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1 in San Diego, CA and was advanced to Petty Officer Second Class in route.

He tested, evaluated, and maintained experimental undersea MIW systems, providing crucial feedback on overall performance, and was part of the first Mission Package to operate from a Littoral Combat Ship. He was awarded Blue Jacket of the Quarter for his efforts and was advanced to Petty Officer First Class. In 2012 Petty Officer Ricks was stationed at the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC).

He served as 1 of 3 Maritime Minefield Planners in the Navy and is the Lead Medal Operator for the Commander’s Battlestaff. He completed the Maiden Battlestaff Deployment to the Fifth Fleet AOR and has participated in over 5 Global MIW exercises within the Third, Seventh, and Fifth Fleet AORs. He was awarded 2013 NMAWC Sailor of the Year for his efforts.

In 2016 MNC Ricks is stationed at MCMDIV THREE ONE as the Senior Enlisted Leader. It is a Operational Staff for the execution of MCM in C3F, C4F, C5F, C6F, and C7F AOR and Maritime Homeland Defense exercises and operations.

MNC Ricks’ awards include 1 NAVY Commendation Medal 5 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 1 Meritorious Unit Commendation, 3 Good Conduct Medals, and 2 Sea Service deployment Ribbons. MNC Ricks resides in San Diego, CA. 

 


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