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Pollard Relieves Benko as Force Master Chief

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060727-12
Release Date: 7/27/2006 8:42:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Cynthia Clark, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Force Master Chief Mo Pollard relieved Force Master Chief Michael Benko as Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet master chief in a ceremony July 26 at Lockwood Hall at Pearl Harbor Naval Station.

Assuming force master chief duties in January of 2004, Benko was the driving force in contouring the Pacific submarine force for future operations.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Cassias lauded Benko for his efforts as the principal advocate for enlisted personnel throughout the Pacific Submarine Force, which included more than 35 submarines and 9,000 enlisted personnel.

Benko “dramatically improved Force readiness to address asymmetric threats during the global war on terrorism,” said Cassias. “His innovative and visionary recommendations will significantly and positively impact operational readiness through the foreseeable future.”

Cassias specifically thanked Benko for his efforts to limit hot-racking by submarine crews, spearheading changes to E-5 high year tenure and implementing new physical readiness policies.

Prior to heading on the command master chief track, Benko served as a fire control technician on USS Von Steuben (SSBN 632), homeported in Charleston, S.C.; USS Florida (SSBN 728), homeported in Bangor, Wash.; and the submarine tender USS Canopus (AS 34), homeported in Kings Bay, Ga. Benko now heads to Naval Recruiting District Portland, Ore.

Pollard’s previous assignment was as the command master chief for Commander, Submarine Group 2, in Groton, Conn. Throughout his career, Pollard served as Chief of the Boat on USS Olympia (SSN 717), homeported in Pearl Harbor and USS Parche (SSN 683), homeported in Bangor, Wash.

For related news, visit the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/subpac/.