A SEAL has been tabbed to become the next fleet master chief of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples, according to a press release from 6th Fleet.
Adm. James G. Foggo III announced that Force Master Chief (SEAL) Derrick Walters will replace incumbent Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp.
Walters has served in the Navy for 31 years. He’s expected to take the post in early spring.
“Force Master Chief Walters has a stellar record,” said Foggo in the release. “Accordingly, he rose to the top of an impressive list of candidates considered for this critical job and I look forward to the pride, professionalism, and experience he will bring to our mission in Europe and Africa.”
Currently the Force Master Chief for Naval Special Warfare in Coronado, California, Walters, 49, will become the first SEAL to serve as a fleet master chief.
Since early 2018, all four positions were turned over to new master chiefs. They serve as an executive advisory panel to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SW/IW/AW) Russ Smith.
Walters has served in SEAL Teams 2 and 8, plus Naval Special Warfare Group 2′s training detachment.
He returned to SEAL Team 2 as the Operations and Command Master Chief and did a repeat tour with Special Warfare Group 2 as the Senior Enlisted Adviser.
He also served as the Command Master Chief at Naval Special Warfare Center and was the Senior Enlisted Leader at NATO Special Operations headquarters before becoming the Force Master Chief of Naval Special Warfare Command, according to the Navy.
Records provided to Navy Times by Special Operations Command indicate that Walters, a Pennsylvania native, enlisted on Aug. 24, 1987.
His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and two Meritorious Service Medals.
