MCPON Bob Walker, our 3rd MCPON, was one of the founders of the Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund. Working alongside MCPON 7 Duane Bushey, their vision was to create a unique opportunity to honor the family members of the Chief Petty Officers who served and continue to serve in the Navy he loved so much.

Bob Walker began his career as a Radarman in 1948 and was a leader from the start, advancing quickly to Radarman 1st Class. He joined the Navy to make it a career, and “enjoyed it from the day I joined until the day I retired.”

“I can tell you with absolute confidence that my friend, Bob Walker, carried his love and commitment to our Navy well past his retirement. When we joined together to create the CPO Scholarship Fund, we shared the same vision of giving back to the Chiefs who lead our great nation on the deckplates, ashore, at sea and overseas,” said Duane.

MCPON Walker’s first ship was the destroyer McKean. He made his first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment during the Japanese occupation when U.S. ships were stopping and searching all Japanese ships. It was during this tour that Walker got his first taste of leadership and decided that he wanted to continue to lead Sailors.

Eight years after joining the Navy, Walker was a Chief Petty Officer, the highest step for enlisted during that time. Two years later, in 1958, the Navy joined the other services in creating pay grades E‑8 and E‑9. He was selected for E-8 in 1961, and two years later, at the age of 34, he was selected for E-9.

Bob Walker’s leadership milestones continued into the late 1960’s, when the Navy announced the new position of Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Navy. Although he was not selected the first time around, he continued to hone his leadership skills. From 1970 to 1972, he served as Senior Enlisted Advisor and Leading Chief for combat systems training at the Fleet Combat Direction Systems Training Center, Dam Neck, Virginia. He built a reputation there for his refusal to allow students on the base unless their haircuts and beards were regulation.

At the height of the Zumwalt Era, Walker was transferred to the carrier John F. Kennedy where he served as Leading Chief of the Operations Department. After a few months, he was given the title of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Command (MCPOC).

In November, 1974, Vice Admiral Frederick H. Michaelis, Commander, Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT) surveyed his Master Chiefs for the job of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Force (MCPOF). He selected a black shoe, OSCM Bob Walker. When nominations were solicited for the job of MCPON, Walker felt he was ready with 27 years in the Navy and 19 years at sea.

Eleven candidates were screened down to four, and Walker and his wife, Fran, joined the other candidates in Washington, DC for interviews. Walker recounted the interviews with CNO, Admiral Holloway, and the Chief of Naval Personnel in the book, "Winds of Change":

"From the moment I sat down with Admiral Holloway, I felt that we could have a very special, working relationship. I remember thinking that I probably blew the interview because I disagreed with him on some things but, overall, I thought it went very well. The CNP asked me what the Navy could do to increase the retention among Radarmen. I told him I didn't really know of anything because it was a very sea intensive rating. At that time, the only doggone thing a Radarman could do ashore was be an instructor. Then I told him if he opened up some general billets to Radarmen that might help but I wasn't sure what that would do for retention."

When MCPON Walker was informed that he had been selected, he cried. According to Fran, Bob’s mouth almost didn't fit through the door he was smiling so hard. “He was one happy guy." Walker moved his family to Washington, and set out on a path to enlightened leadership, where people were willing to listen.

During his time as MCPON, Bob Walker made significant contributions that remain deeply rooted in the Navy culture of today. He improved advancement, command indoc, leadership for Petty Officers and management skills for Chief Petty Officers, and set high standards that started and ended with effective communication.

Bob Walker believed that leadership qualities were "learned," not innate qualities and he worked hard to develop meaningful leadership training programs. His commitment to learning and providing education opportunities never wavered.  It is a privilege to sponsor a special scholarship in honor of the life and service of MCPON 3 Bob Walker.

MCPON Walker retired in 1979, leaving a legacy of solid, communicative leadership that remains alive and well in our Navy today.

MCPON Walker passed away on February 15, 2016.