Quick Facts
Biography
Michael D. "Mike" Stevens (born October 10, 1964) is a United States Navy sailor and former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON). He became the 13th MCPON on September 28, 2012, when he accepted the passing of the ceremonial cutlass from outgoing MCPON Rick D. West. He was succeeded by Steven S. Giordano on September 2, 2016.
Early life and education
Stevens was born on October 10, 1964 and grew up in the U.S. state of Montana. He graduated from Arlee High School in May 1983.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College; Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government "Leadership in Crises"; Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education; Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education; and the National Defense University Keystone course.
Stevens is an Honor Graduate and the recipient of the prestigious Peter Tomich Award for exceptional military excellence from the Senior Enlisted Academy.
Career
Stevens shipped to Basic Training in San Diego, California, in June 1983. He attended Aviation Structural Mechanic “A” School in Millington, Tennessee and his first duty assignment was VQ-2 Rota, Spain.
Stevens's other assignments have included: Navy Recruiting District Minneapolis, Minnesota;, HM-14 Norfolk, Virginia, HM-18 Norfolk, Virginia, Aviation Schools Command Pensacola, Florida, HS-4 San Diego, California, VC-8 Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic Norfolk, Virginia and U.S. Second Fleet Norfolk, Virginia.
In October 2002, Stevens was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer and assigned to VC-8, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico as the Maintenance Master Chief and Command Master Chief. In October 2003, Master Chief Stevens reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola and assumed the duties as the base Command Master Chief. In August 2006, Master Chief Stevens reported to HM-14 as the Command Master Chief. After a brief but highly successful tour, in September 2007, he was selected by Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic to serve as the Wing Command Master Chief for the largest Helicopter Wing in the U.S. Navy.
In January 2009, Stevens was selected as the Command Master Chief for United States Second Fleet.
Stevens was selected in August 2010 as the 16th Fleet Master Chief for U.S. Fleet Forces Command. On March 16, 2016 it was announced that Master Stevens would retire on September 2, 2016 after 33 years of Naval Service. The chief of naval operations (CNO) announced the selection of the 14th master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) June 9, 2016. Adm. John M. Richardson said Fleet Master Chief Steven S. Giordano will take charge from MCPON Michael D. Stevens Sept. 2, during a change of office ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard.
Post Navy Career
After Stevens retired in September 2016, he was regained as a civilian consultant to spearhead possible changes to the Navy's enlisted rating system to modernize the Navy's current enlisted system. Over a span of eight months a group of senior enlisted leaders came to the conclusion that the Navy needed to replace its current enlisted system on September 29, 2016 with the release of NAVADMIN 218/16. The senior enlisted group directed by Stevens argued to create a more gender-neutral system for the modern maritime naval service by recommending dropping job titles from enlisted sailors and eliminating their ratings completely. While this NAVADMIN was drafted in hopes of creating a more inclusive and seamless fighting force, issues have arisen. Ultimately Stevens and the senior enlisted working group's decision to replace 241 years of Navy maritime history and tradition with a system with no ratings or enlisted rate titles has created controversy among many active duty and reserve personnel, retired personnel, and separated veterans, enlisted and officer alike.
Awards and decorations
 | Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia |
 | Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist insignia |
 | Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Identification Badge |
 | Navy Distinguished Service Medal |
 | Legion of Merit |
  | Meritorious Service Medal with three gold award stars |
 | Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four award stars |
  | Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with silver award star |
  | Coast Guard Achievement Medal with "O" device |
 | Combat Action Ribbon |
 | Navy Unit Commendation |
  | Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze service stars |
 | Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with "O" device |
 | Navy "E" Ribbon w/ Wreathed Battle E device |
  | Navy Good Conduct Medal with one silver and three bronze service stars |
 | National Defense Service Medal with service star |
 | Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal |
 | Southwest Asia Service Medal with two service stars |
 | Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
 | Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four service stars |
 | Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon |
 | Kuwait Liberation Medal from Saudi Arabia |
 | Kuwait Liberation Medal from Kuwait |
 | Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with Sharpshooter Device |
 | Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with Sharpshooter Device |
- 8 gold Service Stripes.