US Pacific Fleet Master Chief Visits USS Texas

U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez paid a visit to the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to talk with the crew, Oct. 23.

Ramirez, the 16th Fleet Master Chief for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said the purpose of the visit was to say hello to the Sailors, reinforce that they are doing a great job and to educate them on the current issues in the Pacific Fleet.

“I wanted to tell them that they have a great submarine and I just wanted to come let them know that we are thinking about them and we know they are doing great things,” said Ramirez.

During his visit he talked about topics such as the mission of the Pacific Fleet, sexual assault, the lines of operation, drinking responsibly, leadership and what he expects from the Sailors.

Ramirez thanked the Sailors for their service in the Pacific Fleet and listened to what issues they have as well.

“I call it battlefield circulation, in which I take their hates and discontents with me and see if I can make some changes for them. We also try to identify the problems and see if we can fix them,” said Ramirez.

One question came from Electronics Technician 3rd Class Michael Lacks who asked about Fleet Master Chief’s career progression and what it took for him to be a master chief petty officer.

Another Texas Sailor, Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jonathan Day asked about Tuition Assistance in the Navy.

During the visit, Ramirez held an E5 call before having lunch with the crew as well as talks with the E6s and the chief petty officers.

“He was very open about what’s going on, and definitely gave us a better idea of the future of the submarine force,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Cody Searfoss.

Prior to his selection into the Command Master Chief program, Ramirez served aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW 110), and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). He became the 16th Fleet Master Chief for the U.S. Pacific Fleet on April 30, 2013.

Press Release, October 25, 2013; Image: Wikimedia