James M. Honea is a retired United States Navy sailor who served as the 16th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy from 8 September 2022 to 12 September 2025. He was previously the Senior Enlisted Leader of United States Indo-Pacific Command from August 2021 to June 2022.
Naval career After attending basic training at Recruit Training Center San Diego, California, in 1987, Honea began his navy career as a Boatswain's Mate on . He continued to rise through the ranks, serving aboard amphibious assault ships. His sea assignments include , , and . When he achieved the rank of command master chief, he continued to serve at sea aboard the destroyer , and later another amphibious assault ship .
Honea's shore tours include service as the command master chief of United States Navy Embedded Training Teams, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, deployed to Afghanistan; as the command master chief at Naval Support Activity South Potomac; as the command master chief of United States Naval Forces Korea; and most recently as the fleet master chief of United States Pacific Fleet.
Honea completed the Command Master Chief Course and Senior Enlisted JPME Keystone Course at the National Defense University. He is also a graduate from the United States Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.
He assumed the office of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) on September 8, 2022 from Russell L. Smith. He retired on September 12, 2025.
Personal life Honea married Evelyn in 1989 when he was stationed in Long Beach, California. They have two children.
Awards and decorations
BadgeEnlisted Surface Warfare Specialist insignia1st rowDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with one gold award starMeritorious Service Medal with four award stars2nd rowNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three award starsJoint Meritorious Unit Award3rd rowNavy Unit Commendation with one bronze service starNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with one bronze service starNavy "E" Ribbon w/ Wreathed Battle E device4th rowNavy Good Conduct Medal with two silver service starsNational Defense Service Medal with service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal5th rowSouthwest Asia Service Medal with two service starsAfghanistan Campaign Medal with service starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with service star6th rowGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorea Defense Service MedalHumanitarian Service Medal7th rowNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one silver and four bronze service starsNavy Reserve Sea Service Deployment RibbonNavy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with two service stars8th rowNATO Medal (Non-Article 5)Navy Expert Rifleman MedalNavy Expert Pistol Shot MedalBadgeEnlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insigniaBadgeMaster Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Badge Nine gold service stripes
References