What does a Master Chief Petty Officer wear on their sleeve?

Master Chief Petty Officer Insignia

Master Chief Petty Officers in the United States Navy wear three gold chevrons on their sleeve as part of their insignia. These chevrons represent the years of service and experience of the individual. Each chevron represents 12 years of service, so three chevrons signify that the officer has served for 36 years.

Rating Badge

Along with the gold chevrons, a Master Chief Petty Officer also wears a rating badge on their sleeve. This badge indicates the officer's field of expertise or specialty within the Navy. The rating badge is a symbol that helps identify the role and responsibilities of the officer within the Navy hierarchy.

For example, a Master Chief Petty Officer who is a Boatswain's Mate will wear a blue anchor as their rating badge. This signifies their expertise in deck seamanship and maintenance of the ship. On the other hand, a Hospital Corpsman would wear a red cross as their rating badge, indicating their role in providing medical care to the crew members.

Overall, the combination of gold chevrons and rating badges on the sleeve of a Master Chief Petty Officer provides a visual representation of their experience, years of service, and specialized skills within the United States Navy.