Davis will relieve Fleet Master Chief James “Smitty” Tocorzic, who has served as the Pacific Fleet senior enlisted leader since July 2021. He will be retiring in spring 2024 after 34 years of naval service.
“We serve at a consequential time in the history of the Indo-Pacific,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Master Chief Don Davis is an exemplary leader who is mission-focused, resolute, and caring. Along with his professionalism and warfighting spirit, he brings deep knowledge across all domains and the joint forces. He will be a valued partner as we lead the Fleet. I am proud to serve alongside him.”
In his new assignment, Davis will serve as the senior enlisted leader for the world's largest fleet command, which comprises more than 150,000 military and civilian personnel, approximately 200 ships and submarines, and 1,500 aircraft.
He was selected into the Command Master Chief (CMC) Program in 2009. His previous CMC tours include USS Lassen (DDG 82), Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, USS Tortuga (LSD 46), Expeditionary Strike Group 3, U.S. Pacific Fleet Chief Petty Officer Training Team, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
"Master Chief Davis is a stellar leader and I have every confidence he’s going to continue leading Pacific Fleet Sailors and Marines to success,” said Tocorzic. “He brings a breadth of knowledge and experience in the joint world, thanks to his service with numerous Navy-Marine Corps units in the Indo-Pacific. We’re fortunate to have his experience and perspective at the helm.”
Davis is a native of San Diego. He joined the Navy in September 1988. He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy, Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Command Leadership Course, Senior Executive Asia-Pacific Orientation Course, and the Navy Senior Leader Seminar in Monterey, California.
His decorations include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (5 awards) and various unit and campaign awards. He is authorized to wear the Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia. Davis is slated to assume the duties as the Fleet Master Chief in February 2024.