Command Master Chief John Potter enlisted in the Navy in January 2003 and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. and Aircrew “A” School in Pensacola, FL.

He reported to his first command as an undignated Airmen to, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in San diego, CA. During this time he struck Damage Controlman. 

Upon completion of his/ her initial sea tour, he reported to USS Gary FFG 51, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and served as Engineering Repair Division ER09 work center supervisor, and conducted a home port shift with USS McCampbell (DDG 85) from 2007-2010. In April 2010, he reported to Naval Recruiting District Pittsburg, Penn. where he worked at Naval Recruiting Station Buffalo, N.Y., assigned as a Navy Recruiter.

In June 2013 he reported to USS Boxer (LHD 4), San Diego, Calif., and completed two deployments to the middle east. He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 2015 and served as Repair Division Leading Chief Petty Officer.

In November 2018 he reported to Surface Warfare School Command Engineering, Yokosuka, Japan where he served as the Officer in Charge. During this tour he he oversaw the daily operation of the domain’s only forward- deployed learning site, and only live firefighting school in the 7th Fleet area of operations. He was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2019.

Command Master Chief Potter reported onboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in December 2022. While onboard he served as Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Offier, and was advanced to Master Chief during the first-ever Senior Enlisted advance-to-postion. In December 2022 he reported to USS George Washington (CVN 73) in Norfolk, Va. He served as the Damage Control Division Damage Controlman Master Chief where he brought the ship back to life coming out of extended and complex RCOH. During his time he conducted a homeport shift to Yokosuka, Japan in November 2024, and completed the ship’s Summer and Fall patrols.

Command Master Chief Potter was selected to serve as CMC for Strike Fighter Squadron VFA 192, Lemoore, Calif., and will report in October 2025. Command Master Chief Potter is a graduate of Senior Enlisted Academy Class 243 “gray”, and Command Master Chief Course. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), Good Conduct Medal (6), and various unit and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 26 November 2025