(HOLD FOR CLARITY 6/13) Command Master Chief Completes 30 Years of Service

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- After serving 30 years in the Navy, Command Master Chief R. Kent Tompkins, Training Support Center (TSC), Great Lakes, bid farewell to staff and shipmates during a retirement ceremony and Change of Office held at Recruit Memorial Chapel, June 7.

"For a little over a year now, I have spent time reflecting on my 30 years in anticipation of this day," said Tompkins. "There is no easy way to capture or explain the many adventures I have taken around the world and the many countries I have had the privilege of seeing - a few times, in fact. I have had the honor and privilege to serve my country for these past 30 years."

The Change of Office ceremony included the passing of the cutlass, signifying the transfer of authority to incumbent Command Master Chief Jeffrey A. Kirby.

Kirby entered the Navy in 1987 and was promoted to master chief in May 2009. Kirby previously served at RTC as a recruit division commander (RDC) before holding various leading chief petty officer (LCPO) duties including RDC "C" School LCPO.

Guest speakers for the ceremony included Capt. Henry "Hank" P. Roux Jr., commanding officer (CO), TSC; Capt. Peter R. Lintner, former CO, TSC; and Command Master Chief (SW/CC/AW) Joe Diaz (Retired).

"Master Chief Tompkins was the perfect fit for TSC and I was blessed to serve side-by-side with a true believer in our core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment," said Roux. "Even though it was only four months, I, and our Sailors, certainly benefitted from his sage, wisdom and guidance."

Tompkins joined the Navy in 1983 in the delayed entry program. After completing recruit training at Naval Training Center, San Diego in August 1983, he proceeded to TSC to complete Enginemen "A" School, and then reported for his first tour of duty in December 1983 on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

In 1986, Tompkins was screened for pre-commissioning duty for the Navy's newest FFG, USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60). In September 1989, he reported to Naval Air Station Adak, Alaska as chief engineer onboard USS Mecosta (YTB 818). In March 1991, he was screened as a Recruit Company Commander and assigned to Naval Training Center/RTC San Diego. In 1993, Tompkins reported to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) homeported in Alameda, Calif. In 1996, he was assigned to USS Ottumwa (YTB 761) and promoted to chief petty officer. In October of 1996, he reported to USS Rainer (AOE 7) homeported in Bremerton, Wash. and was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer before transferring. In December 2000, Tompkins graduated from the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and then assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group, Pacific Northwest as the Training and Readiness (N82/N7) LCPO. In October 2002, he reported to Sasebo, Japan onboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43).

In October 2005, Tompkins returned to RTC as an RDC, while also qualifying as a master training specialist. This is also where he was promoted to master chief petty officer and was selected as a CMC.

In February 2009, Tompkins returned to his sea service roots as the Engineering Department LCPO/SEL again onboard the Eisenhower. By September, he assumed the duties of CMC of the "CHARGERS" of HS-14 stationed in Atsugi, Japan.

In October 2011, Tompkins began his final career assignment when he assumed the duties of command master chief for TSC.

"I have been attached to 14 commands and that only scratches the surface of the sea stories I have yet to tell," said Tompkins. "I have had the pleasure to travel the world and see many events and I have witnessed events that have shaped the world."

Diaz, a Vietnam-era Sailor, retired after 40 years of service in 1996. He first served with Tompkins on the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43).

"I knew he was a future quality command master chief," said Diaz. "My life with him as the LCPO of engineering department was so easy because I could focus on leadership and problems elsewhere on the ship knowing engineering was in good hands."

Tompkins' personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (eight awards) and various other unit and campaign awards.

"You have left more of you behind with all of us than you'll ever take from the Navy," said Diaz. "As I do the math, I see tens of thousands of Sailors in the Navy and another multi-thousand in the civilian world with core values instilled by you and not by naval training. Because for every one you led and taught, that Sailor passed it on to at least 10 more. The numbers are amazing, and I'm one of those you affected."

For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/local/tscgl/ .