Throughout Master Chief Personnelman (AW) Johnny Richardson’s, 30-year-career he has celebrated many milestones, and the most recent one was earning his 8th consecutive Good Conduct Medal at the Personnel Support Detachment on Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor March 21.

“I think after the first few we kind of learn the process, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t come close. I won’t say I’ve never been to Executive Officer Inquiry (XOI) with 13 other people one time, but the finger wasn’t pointed at me thank goodness. It was the best way for the XO to find the right person who was responsible,” said Richardson.

Richardson went on to say that time has definitely changed how he makes decisions.

“I’ve grown up a lot in the Navy and been around a long time, so at this point in my life I know what types of decisions I should make to keep me out of trouble, so I try to lend my wealth of knowledge to the Sailors who work for me in regards to good decision making.”

Richardson added that Sailors who want to make the Navy a career could achieve this milestone if they surround themselves with positive people.

“I encourage all Sailors to use the mentorship system the way it’s deigned because I really don’t think that Sailors should have to go through life and fight all the battles themselves when someone else has gone through it before. Having someone there to help guide them through the situation can make a world of difference.”

For Sailors who would one day like to follow in his footsteps, he stresses that good conduct does help.

“Being an E-1 and being an E-9 is still like being on top of your career. It’s like Command Master Chief Jim Rickel would say, “Only one in 10,000 kids that come into the Navy as an E-1 ever get to make Master Chief.” With that said, a Sailor probably can’t go to Captain’s Mast a whole bunch of times and make Master Chief,” said Richardson.