The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens sent an email to his Leadership Mess March 16 announcing his decision to retire in September.

"In consultation with the Chief of Naval Operations, Theresa and I have requested and have been granted approval to retire on September 2, 2016," said Stevens.

MCPON was born and raised in Montana. He graduated from Arlee High School in May 1983 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy attending basic training in San Diego in June 1983.

Stevens attended Aviation Structural Mechanic Apprentice School in Millington, Tennessee, and his first duty assignment was with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 in Rota, Spain.

Stevens was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer in October 2002. He went on to complete a number of operational and Command Master Chief tours to include U.S. 2nd Fleet and served as the 16th Fleet Master Chief for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Stevens' academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College; Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government "Leadership in Crisis"; Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education; Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education; and the National Defense University Keystone course. He is an honor graduate and the recipient of the prestigious Peter Tomich Award for exceptional military excellence from the Senior Enlisted Academy.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (six awards), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal with operational "O", Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Insignia, and Enlisted Naval Aircrew Wings.

Stevens became the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy September 28, 2012. Details for the change of office will be announced at a later date.

The solicitation for the 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy will be sent to eligible active-duty candidates via email from the MCPON. Eligible candidates for consideration will be all Fleet Master Chiefs. Additionally, all Command Master Chiefs with at least 18 months of service (as of September 2, 2016) at the three and four star level will be eligible.