COMMAND MASTER CHIEF (SW) JAMES JESTER, UNITED STATES NAVY

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF, USS PREBLE (DDG-88)

Master Chief Jester was born and raised in the Tidewater and Easter Shore areas of Virginia. He attended recruit training at Recruit Training Command San Diego, California, during the summer of 1983 after graduating from high school. Master Chief  Jester?s previous sea tours were aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) from December 1983 through May 1989, USS RENTZ (FFG-46) from December 1992 thru August 1998 and USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49) from September 1990 thru August 2000. Ashore, Master Chief Jester served as Recruiter-in-Charge of a small recruiting station in Western Washington, while assigned to Navy Recruiting District in Seattle. He completed the Chemical Biological Radiological Defense Operations Training Specialist course at Fort McClellan, Alabama and the Senior Enlisted Damage Control Training Specialist course at Treasure Island, California, in Late 1992.

Master Chief Jester graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy in December 2001. Master Chief Jester is qualified as an Enlisted Surface Welfare Specialist and his awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star and the Navy Achievement Medal with two gold stars.

Dear Mr. Wamsley (reproduced from Master Chief Jester?s letter to Gene)

I too was glad that the PREBLE'S schedule permitted her to be in port during the PREBLE reunion in San Diego. I trust that everyone had a good time, enjoyed there stay in beautiful San Diego. The Captain said the he enjoyed himself during the festivities. I wish I could have attended, but I simply had to begin the move to Washington over that particular weekend. Life has been rather fast and furious for Karen and I lately.

In our on going preparations for transition to the civilian world, Karen recently accepted the position of Finance Director for the City of Fircrest, Washington. Fircrest is a small suburb of Tacoma. We then immediately put our house in Escondido up for sale. The real estate market in the San Diego area is crazy, and our home sold within two days. The deal should be closed mid-November.

Last week I took leave to deliver Karen, our dog Abby, and a small truckload of household goods to Washington, without incident. Karen?s first day of work (Monday

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