Navy’s New Enlisted Leader Focuses on Sailors and Training

On September 8, 2025, John Perryman officially assumed the role of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), becoming the highest-ranking enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy. This appointment comes after the retirement of MCPON James Honea, who had served in the role since September 2022. With a rich history of leadership experience, including serving as the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Perryman brings a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on the priorities that matter most to sailors.

As the 17th MCPON, Perryman’s leadership is expected to have a significant impact on the direction of the Navy. His commitment to improving the lives of sailors, their families, and the overall functioning of the service is evident in his detailed outline of his objectives. By prioritizing training, skill development, and the quality of life for all sailors, Perryman aims to build a Navy that is not only stronger but also more adaptable and better equipped to face the challenges of the future.

Prioritizing Sailors and Their Families

From the outset of his new role, Perryman made it clear that one of his top priorities will be the well-being of the sailors who make up the backbone of the U.S. Navy. In a post shared via social media, Perryman explained that he is committed to eliminating distractions that do not contribute to the Navy’s overall mission. His focus will be squarely on providing sailors with training that directly enhances their skills and readiness, rather than burdening them with unnecessary tasks or obligations.

Perryman recognizes that sailors are more than just military personnel; they are individuals with families and lives outside of the Navy. For this reason, he has pledged to improve the quality of life for sailors and their families. This includes enhancing family housing, barracks, and dining facilities, which are often vital aspects of a sailor’s experience. Improving access to medical care for sailors and their families is also a key area of focus. Perryman believes that ensuring sailors’ health and well-being is crucial for their success, both on the job and in their personal lives.

In addition to improving living conditions, Perryman has committed to addressing any obstacles that may prevent sailors from thriving. His pledge to conduct regular reviews and identify areas for improvement ensures that any issues impacting sailors’ daily lives will be addressed in a timely and effective manner. By focusing on quality of life, Perryman hopes to create a Navy where sailors feel supported both professionally and personally.

A Focus on Effective Training

While the quality of life for sailors is undoubtedly essential, Perryman’s focus also extends to ensuring that every sailor receives the best possible training. He recognizes that training is not a one-time event but a continuous process that evolves as technology and global threats change. To that end, Perryman has made clear that improving training and technical proficiency will be a cornerstone of his tenure.

Perryman’s goal is to provide sailors with the resources they need to excel in their roles. This includes ensuring that training programs are cutting-edge and aligned with the Navy’s operational needs. Sailors will have the opportunity to hone their skills in state-of-the-art facilities, preparing them for the ever-changing demands of modern naval warfare. Whether it’s learning new technologies, enhancing leadership abilities, or improving physical readiness, Perryman’s vision for training is holistic and future-focused.

The new MCPON also emphasized that regular training sessions and assessments will be implemented to ensure that sailors are meeting the high standards required to advance in their careers. Training will not be limited to initial qualifications; instead, it will be an ongoing process designed to help sailors continually grow and prepare for new responsibilities. As a result, Perryman hopes to foster a Navy that is not only capable but also adaptable to emerging threats and technologies.

Career Advancement Through Education

One of the most critical aspects of Perryman’s vision for the Navy is his emphasis on career progression through education. He acknowledges that the Navy’s success hinges on its ability to develop sailors who are not only technically proficient but also highly skilled in their respective fields. Therefore, Perryman is placing a significant focus on continuing education and career development as a way to ensure that sailors are always advancing toward their career milestones.

According to Perryman, advancing to the next rank should be directly linked to a sailor’s technical proficiency. Sailors will be expected to undergo continuous training and assessments, with clear benchmarks that allow them to measure their progress. This approach will help ensure that sailors are always prepared for the next challenge in their careers, whether it’s a new responsibility or a different type of deployment. The goal is to build a Navy where sailors continually learn and improve, thereby becoming more effective and capable leaders.

Perryman has also made it clear that the Navy will focus on tailoring education and training to individual sailors’ needs. By identifying the strengths and development areas of each sailor, the Navy can provide targeted support that will help them excel in their specific roles. This personalized approach to career advancement aims to help sailors unlock their full potential and stay engaged throughout their careers.

Fostering a Culture of Talent Development

Perryman’s vision goes beyond just individual training and education; he also wants to foster a culture of talent development within the Navy. His leadership will be centered around creating a Navy that actively nurtures the growth of its most promising sailors. The focus will be on developing expertise in areas that align with sailors’ career milestones, helping them build the skills needed to excel in increasingly demanding roles.

In his outline, Perryman stated that by investing in sailors’ professional development, the Navy can retain and grow its most talented warfighters. As the Navy faces evolving challenges, it is essential to have sailors who are not only technically skilled but also have the leadership abilities necessary to guide their peers. By focusing on talent development, Perryman aims to ensure that the Navy’s top sailors are equipped to take on leadership roles and drive the service forward.

Perryman’s approach to talent development emphasizes that sailors should be given every opportunity to enhance their skills and expertise. This commitment to developing talent is designed to create a Navy comprised of individuals who are well-rounded, capable, and prepared for any situation. In this way, Perryman hopes to create an environment where excellence is the norm, and every sailor has the chance to reach their full potential.

Join the Navy League in Supporting Sailors and Their Families

The commitment demonstrated by Master Chief Petty Officer John Perryman to prioritize sailors’ training and well-being will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the Navy. As the service looks to the future, it is clear that Perryman’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of sailors. His vision for a Navy that values education, technical proficiency, and quality of life reflects a deep understanding of what sailors need to succeed.

The Navy League invites you to support this mission by honoring and standing behind sailors like Petty Officer 2nd Class Savannah Martinez, who embody the excellence that Perryman seeks to foster. By prioritizing sailors and their families, the Navy League is proud to support the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation.

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