NAVEUR-NAVAF fleet master chief retires after 30 years

News: NAVEUR-NAVAF fleet master chief retires after 30 years

U.S. Naval Forces Europe, 6th Fleet Public Affairs

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Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Viramontes

Fleet Master Chief Bradley LeVault (left), U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Fleet Master Chief, is presented the Legion of Merit by Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander Allied, Joint Force Command Naples, at his retirement ceremony on Naval Support Activity Naples. During the ceremony, LeVault retired following 30 years of enlisted service. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Viramontes)

NAPLES, Italy – Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Bradley LeVault, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Fleet Master Chief, retired following 30 years of loyal service at a ceremony held at the Naval Support Activity Naples in Naples, Italy, May 24.

Shipmates from around the region gathered to honor and pay tribute to an outstanding sailor and his exemplary career.

Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and Commander, Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, praised Fleet Master Chief LeVault and his family for their contributions to the Navy and their country.

“Fleet [LeVault] has always been a man driven by purpose and commitment,” said Adm. Clingan. “An entire generation of officers, chief petty officers and sailors have benefited from his professionalism, integrity and exemplary work ethic… thank you for your service, your sacrifice, your leadership and your friendship.”

LeVault’s career was nothing short of an adventure. Following basic training in 1982, he and his wife traveled from Florida to Japan, Iceland to Norfolk, and back to Florida. Finally, after numerous deployments and four children, their journey drew to a close in Naples.

For his performance and success in the Navy, LeVault was presented with the Legion of Merit by Adm. Clingan.

LeVault thanked his family for standing by his side during his long career and presented them with tokens of gratitude. He then reflected upon his time in the Navy.

“On Aug. 20, 1982, my three favorite ladies took me to the delayed entry program station - my grandma, my mother and my beautiful red-headed girlfriend, Amy – and by that afternoon I was in boot camp,” said LeVault. “I was one of 95,000 recruits that entered the Navy that year. It planted a seed of good order and discipline. I liked it and I was good at it.”

Before departing, he commended the young sailors in the audience for their service in today’s Navy.

“It has been a tough three years for sailors,” said LeVault. “It is far harder being a sailor today than when I joined, and my hat goes off to enlisted sailors for their service.”