Many Sailors who reach the rank of master chief would attest that the journey to the top is the most important aspect of their career.

Master Chief Machinist's Mate Jason C. Puckett, the chief of the boat (COB) aboard the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727), decided to make this a different kind of journey to the top, in order to extend his commitment to his country.

During a brief port visit to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, he was able to reenlist at the top of Japan's highest peak, Mt. Fuji.

Puckett joined the Navy July 12, 1995, and has served aboard USS Florida (SSGN 728), USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735), and twice aboard Michigan. During this time, Puckett has been on 16 patrols and six SSGN deployments. He said that while his service has been worthwhile, it has also resulted in spending long periods of time away from his family, including Tina, his wife of 15 years, and seven children.

"My wife and I are a Navy family," said Puckett. "We both believe in the mission and defense of this country. I'm an internally-motivated person and so is she. I wouldn't be able to do this if she wasn't there to support me."

"When we found out that Michigan would have an opportunity to moor in Yokosuka during the Mt. Fuji climbing season, my chief of the boat, Master Chief Puckett, gathered information on tours to take a group of shipmates to the summit," said Capt. Erik Burian, former commanding officer of USS Michigan, prior to the hike to Fuji's summit. "We were able to make arrangements through MWR from Guam and now he and I plan to complete the hike the day after my change of command. If all goes as planned, I will have the honor and privilege of reenlisting my COB at the top. I couldn't think of a better way to cap off my command tour than with this pinnacle event."

Puckett assumed his duties as chief of the boat in March 2014. As the COB, he is the most senior enlisted person on the submarine and directly advises the commanding officer and offers guidance to the entire chief's mess.

"Jason Puckett is the most proactive COB I have ever served with," said Master Chief Electrician's Mate Santino Scarrotta. "He works very hard to ensure every Sailor gets what they need and leads all of the chiefs to do the same. He is a great chief of the boat and a great friend."

Puckett's sphere of influence encompasses not just the chief's mess, but the entire boat. He guides every paygrade and conscientiously teaches the Sailors who are the future chiefs of the Navy.

"Clear instruction," said Missile Technician 1st Class Jeremy Watson. "These two words come to mind when I think about the lessons that have stuck the most between the COB and I. He provides this to me and has taught me to provide it to the guys. It is such a basic, but important lessons that was skipped over. Clear instruction. Every time. Without fail."

Leaders are seldom born. It is usually a combination of life experiences and mentors who set the example. Many junior Sailors have learned from Puckett's counsel.

"The COB has inspired me to not only do my best at my job and at work, but to do my best at everything I do - from working the complex systems, all the way to turning a wrench. He taught me that although everybody aboard tries their best, not all can be the best right away," said Watson.

Puckett began his fifth reenlistment at a height of 12,388 feet above sea level. The hike up was much like his career path, strenuous and requiring dedication.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil/.