USCG DEPUTY MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD

In May 2014, Command Master Chief Leilani Cale-Jones was appointed to the newly established E-9 position of Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (Deputy MCPOCG), making her the second-most senior enlisted member of the Coast Guard. Deputy MCPOCG Cale-Jones’ appointment came a little over forty years after the Coast Guard’s first class of female enlisted recruits began basic training as “Regulars” (non-Reservists) at Cape May, and it served as proof that the Coast Guard was indeed serious about providing equal opportunities for both male and female servicemembers. Prior to her promotion, Cale-Jones had served as a Command Master Chief for Maintenance and Logistics Command Pacific, Coast Guard District 14, and Pacific Area command.

The Deputy MCPOCG serves as the program manager for the Coast Guard’s Senior Enlisted Leader Program, and in that capacity acts as the personal advisor to the MCPOCG and the Vice Commandant on a host of issues related to matters that directly affect the enlisted cadre’s health, well-being, morale, and performance. By working with Senior Enlisted Leaders, the Deputy MCPOCG serves as both a conduit and assessor of information on a wide variety of critical topics affecting enlisted personnel, from workplace safety and professional training opportunities to living conditions, career advancement, and helping family members of enlisted Guardsmen understand the programs and assistance available to them.

The ID badge for the Deputy MCPOCG is identical to that of the Master Chief Petty officer of the Coast Guard, except the “MCPOCG” inscription is replaced with the word “Deputy.” Other CMCs serving in Deputy positions have inscriptions that fully reflect their title, such as “DCMS” for Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or “DCO” for Deputy Commandant for Operations.”