CMDCM(SW/AW) John M. West

Past Command Master Chief, USS PATRIOT (MCM 7)

04 January 2023 CMDCM West is a native of Haleiwa, HI. He enlisted in the US Navy and reported to Basic Training at RTC Great Lakes, IL. On 11 September of 2000 and completed DC “A” School in March of 2001. 

He served his first sea tour onboard USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG-57) from 2001-2003. After two deployments for Operation Enduring Freedom he was transferred to USS SHILOH (CG-67) from 2003-2004.    He was selected for a Pre-Com Unit in 2004 to USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG-93) and sailed on her maiden voyage to Hawaii and commissioning. As a Plank Owner he conducted 2 deployments and qualified as FM, PSM, ERO, PACC he transferred in 2007 to his first shore tour as a Recruiter for the U.S. Navy in Riverside, CA. While on recruiting duty he qualified as Recruiter in Charge (RINC) and led a station of 5 Sailors that won “Medium Station of the Year” for NRD San Diego.

Upon a successful recruiting tour he got orders to USS PELELIU (LHA-5), He was onboard during their 2010 deployment to 5th Fleet and was later selected by SURFPAC for a UIC shift to USS COMSTOCK (LSD-45) to fill a gapped DC1 billet prior to deployment 2012. During the deployment he qualified in Ballast Control Officer, EDO, PACC, and EPCC for MEU operations. In 2012 he was humbled to be selected as COMSTOCK’s SOY. In 2013 he was selected to the Honorable rank of Chief Petty Officer. 

His second shore tour started in 2015 serving at ATG MIDPAC in Pearl Harbor, HI. While at ATG he was earned his Afloat Training Specialist and Master Training Specialist. In 2017 he attended the Senior Enlisted Academy and a graduate of class (208). He curtailed his shore tour early to fill a gapped billet as the 3MC onboard USS PIONEER (MCM-9) in Sasebo, Japan. DCCS West qualified as EOOW and CDO. Senior Chief West did 3 Surge Operations in 7th Fleet and 2 Bi-Lateral Operations with Japan and Korea. 

His follow on orders was at COMNAVSURFGRU MIDPAC as the N4 Engineering and Damage Control Department LCPO. He was selected to the Command Senior Chief Program in 2022 and reported to USS PATRIOT (MCM-7) forward deployed in Sasebo, Japan. During his tour onboard he was selected as Command Master Chief.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and numerous campaign awards. He is qualified to wear the Enlisted Surface Warfare and Enlisted Aviation Warfare insignias.