WASHINGTON, DC – Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, Vice Adm. John Mustin, announced today that Master Chief Petty Officer Tracy L. Hunt, Command Master Chief, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, will be the next Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve, starting this October. He will be the 17th Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve.
“Master Chief Hunt brings deep warfighting, leadership, and Reserve experience to the Navy Reserve Force Master Chief billet. He’s going to be an important partner as we transition, with urgency, from a force designed to compete in the Global War on Terrorism to one that delivers strategic depth in an era of long-term complex competition,” Mustin said. Hunt is relieving Navy Reserve Force Master Chief Chris Kotz, who has held the position since Oct. 2017. “Force Kotz has led and taken care of our Sailors for nearly four years as Navy Reserve Force Master Chief. He has single-handedly set us up for success in our mission to defend our country when and if called upon. He’s going to leave some incredibly large shoes to fill when he retires this Fall,” Mustin said. “I couldn't be more excited about the selection for the 17th Reserve Force Master Chief,” Kotz said. “After working closely with Master Chief Hunt in the past, I know his positive work ethic will be infectious in this office. More importantly, he will be a strong champion for our Reserve Sailors and will always have their best at the forefront of his efforts.” Hunt says he is honored by the selection and looks forward to supporting Mustin in continuing to execute the implementation of his Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions 2020, prioritizing warfighting readiness as the number one - and only - mission of the Reserve Force. “Over the past two years as CMC of Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, I have seen first-hand the amazing things our Reserve team can accomplish through a single focus attack — whether that’s tackling complex pay and personnel issues, or fighting a global pandemic,” Hunt said. “I’m honored to take on this role as Force of the Navy Reserve and am looking forward to leading our Reserve team in the next singular focus — warfighting readiness. Keep Pushing Forward Shipmates!” A native of Meherrin, Virginia, Hunt enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1989. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he completed seaman apprentice training in December 1989. More of Hunt’s biography can be found at: https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/News/Article-View-News/Article/2225819/master-chief-petty-officer-swawexw-tracy-l-hunt-command-master-chief-commander/ The mission of the Navy Reserve is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team, and Joint forces, in the full range of military operations from peace to war. It provides essential naval warfighting capabilities and expertise, strategically aligned with mission requirements — valued for warfighting readiness, innovation and agility.
Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.
Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.
Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.
Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.
Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.
Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.
Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.
Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.