Established in 1967, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) is classified as an E-9 Sailor, but in reality is shown the same courtesies and respect as a Rear Admiral, upper half or a Vice Admiral (this according to the OPNAVINST 1710.J). The MCPON is the top enlisted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Chief of Naval Personnel and uses his position to make known the needs, concerns, and issues that are most important to the men and women serving as Enlisted personnel.
This MCPON rating badge is designed for wear with the Service Dress Khaki (SDK) uniform, first introduced during World War II and worn throughout the Vietnam War era until it was unceremoniously tossed from the sea bag in 1975 by Chief of Naval Operations Elmo Zumwalt. A movement to restore the SDK to the Navy’s uniform lineup began to pick up steam in 2007 and 2008, and it gained enough momentum that Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen actually wore the proposed new design to a press conference in July 2008 and continued to wear it while serving in various roles after that. But four years later the Navy announced it was not going to reintroduce the SDK, citing high prices and questionable durability of the samples that had been provided.
At The Salute Uniforms, however, we still carry the SDK—and it is made to the high Mil-Space standards that made it such a favorite among Sailors back when it was an instantly recognizable Navy uniform. Check out the version we offer for
Officers and for
Chief Petty Officers—we think you’ll like what you see!
Related ItemsMCPON Full Bullion Rating Badge
MCPON White Rating Badge
MCPON Identification Badge
MCPON Soft Epaulets
MCPON Collar Device
MCPON Tie Tack