Hunt Becomes 17th Navy Reserve Force Master Chief

[Tony]

WASHINGTON - Master Chief Petty Officer (SW/AW/EXW) Tracy L. Hunt relieved Master Chief Petty Officer (FMF/SW) Chris Kotz as Navy Reserve Force Master Chief during a ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard, Oct. 12. 

Hunt is the 17th Navy Reserve Force Master Chief following his previous assignment as Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. With more than 30 years of service, including more than a decade since completing the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course in 2009, Hunt was carefully selected to assume his new role.
 
“Force Hunt was selected from the most exclusive, competitive and talented field of Navy Reserve Master Chiefs our nation has ever known.  His deep warfighting, leadership and Reserve experiences make him an important partner and strong champion for our Reserve Force,” said Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve, and Commander, Navy Reserve Force. 
 
A native of Meherrin, Virginia, Hunt enlisted in the Navy in September, 1989. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he completed seaman apprentice training in December, 1989.
 
Hunt’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the Navy Reserve.
 
“For the entire force, I ask you to embrace change,” said Hunt. “The Reserve force is transforming, and we must position ourselves to answer when we are called to fight.”
Kotz, who held the position since Oct. 2017, turned over the duties to Hunt immediately preceding his official retirement ceremony, finishing 30 years of dedicated and honorable service.
 
“As we aggressively modernize our Reserve Force to address today’s global environment, building new capabilities and shifting capacity to meet the needs of long-term strategic competition, Force Master Chief Kotz has been front and center.  His impact on the Navy, and our nation’s defense, will be felt for year and decades to come,” Mustin said.
 
Hunt emphasized his ongoing commitment to supporting the evolving mission of the Navy Reserve and encouraged all Reserve Sailors to do the same.
 
“Embrace this change, embrace the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions, and focus on our number one priority — warfighting readiness,” Hunt said.