PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Command Master Chief Marco Ramirez was selected today as the 16th Fleet Master Chief for the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Ramirez, who is currently serving in the top enlisted job at U.S. 6th Fleet in Italy, will take over for Fleet Master Chief John Minyard, who will retire in May following 29 years of active service.

"Master Chief Ramirez was selected from a group of extremely qualified leaders," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "I am confident he will serve the Pacific Fleet well.

"I would also like to thank Fleet Master Chief Minyard on an absolutely outstanding tour," said Haney. "His incredible efforts in support of our Sailors and their families will have a lasting impact on the Fleet."

In his new assignment, Ramirez will be the senior enlisted advisor for more than 140,000 Sailors who serve on approximately 2,000 aircraft and 180 ships and submarines.

"Master Chief Ramirez is a remarkable leader with years of experience and expertise in a variety of assignments," said Minyard. "He is the right leader for the job and will provide the commander with a perspective that will help increase warfighting readiness throughout the Pacific Fleet."

Ramirez enlisted in the Navy in 1984 as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) and later cross-rated to Legalman in 1991. His previous assignments include USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the "Firebirds" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 110 in San Diego, Naval Legal Service Office Northwest in Bremerton, Wash., and Naval Legal Service Office Pacific, Branch Office Sasebo, in Japan.

Prior to U.S. 6th Fleet, he served as the Command Master Chief of the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 in Lemoore, Calif., and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain.

Ramirez is a graduate of the Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy, the Command Leadership School and the National Defense University's Keystone Course. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science from the University of Maryland.