I am a third generation Sailor. My Grandfather (on my dad’s side) was a Boatswain’s Mate (BM) and my father served 27 years and retired as an Operations Specialist Senior Chief (OSCS).

Since returning to Corry Station for a second tour, people have often asked if I was forced to come back or if I chose to return. People are usually surprised when I say that I chose to return. Then the follow up question inevitably comes: “Well, why would you choose to come back?”. And the reason is the Sailors, and I can pinpoint the moment in my career when I decided I would return for a second tour. I transferred from Corry Station in June of 2019 and by July of that year I went through Chief Season. As I was walking the waterfront in San Diego a Sailor walked by, turned around and said, “Petty Officer Payne?” So I turned around to talk to the Sailor. I did not recognize the Sailor, and I think they realized that, as they said, “You may not remember me, but I remember you because you were my Duty Section leader at Corry Station and you always took time to talk to us about life after Corry Station and ways to be successful in the fleet.” We talked for a few more minutes and he asked me about the “box” that I was carrying. I told him it was my vessel and that I was going through Chief season, and without missing a beat he said, “Congratulations! I am so happy for you.”. At the end of that conversation I knew I wanted to go back to Corry Station again because I realized how much of an impact you have on the Sailors when you stop and take the time to mentor them during “A” and “C” school.

During my Chief Season, my sponsor FCAC Chico Allen (now FCACS Ret), told me something that I have taken with me and embedded into my leadership style. He told me, “JP all it takes to be a great Chief is all you’ve got! Now that doesn’t mean it’s 100% every day, because it is impossible to be 100% all the time. When those days come where you are sick and at work, or you are tired and worn down from the long week, and all you have is 50%, you give that full 50% because your Sailors deserve it.” I have found that this is very true and your Sailors see and recognize it, making them more willing to give their all even when they are not at 100%.

This tour at Corry Station will bring me to 20 years of service. Although I plan to retire here, I will still give it all I’ve got every day because that is what my Sailors, both instructors and students, deserve. Many people feel that the end of their service is the time to coast and just get through the day; however, I feel that the end is when you should pour more into your Sailors to ensure that they are ready for what comes next. I learned that from my CMC on my last ship USS MASON, CMDCM Carlos Slade. I watched him, someone who had reached the top of the enlisted ranks, have a personal relationship with every Sailor on the ship, and know their families’ names. He would sit, listen to them and provide real mentorship and guidance. While some say that is what a CMC is supposed to do, I say he went the extra mile by going out on the deckplates instead of sitting in the office waiting for Sailors to come to him. He could tell just by the look on a Sailor’s face or the tone in their voice if something was wrong, and that is for Officers too, so roughly 320 Sailors. If he could give that much at that point in his career, there is no reason for me to take my foot off the gas near the end. Sit and talk with a junior Sailor about life and their aspirations and they may surprise you!

Remember, Great leaders don’t set out to be leaders. They set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role — it’s always about the goal.

BIOGRAPHY

Senior Chief Petty Officer Payne, a native of Chesapeake Virginia, enlisted in the United States Navy in January 2010. Upon completing basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL he reported to CENINFODOM CORRY STATION Pensacola FL, and completed Cryptological Technician (Technical) “A” school and SLQ-32(v)3 Technician “C” school and graduated in June 2012. His first tour was onboard USS WASP (LHD 1), stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. During his four-year tour he went TAD to the USS MESA VERDE (LPD 19), for their BATARG 13-14 deployment. He was able to come home early for the birth of his daughter Eleanor in August 2014. Upon return to the WASP, he helped get the ship through basic and advanced phase, ARGMEUEX and certified for its first deployment in over a decade. During his tour on the WASP, he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science Management from American Military University and picked up First Class Petty Officer as well as earning SW/AW/IW qualifications.

In 2017, he transferred to IWTC Corry Station to be an instructor for SLQ-32(V)3 Technician school. During his tour at Corry Station, he served as the Leading Petty Officer, Course Supervisor, Course Curriculum Model Manager and Naval Military Training Instructor. He redeveloped the curriculum for the SLQ-32(V)3 Tech course and merged it with the SLQ-32(V)4 Tech course aligning the courses with fleet capabilities while reducing course length and student waiting time. He was awarded the IWTC Domain Sailor and Instructor of the Year awards for FY2018. He obtained the C04A SLQ-32(V)6 Technician NEC as well as obtaining his Master of Science Degree in Leadership with an Emphasis on Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Administration from Grand Canyon University. His son Duncan was born in April 2017. In 2019, he transferred to the PRECOMUNIT FRANK E. PETERSEN JR (DDG 121) stationed in San Diego, California.

In June of 2019 he reported to PRECOMUNIT FRANK E. PETERSEN JR and was selected for Chief Petty Officer in July of that year. In 2020 he was redistributed to PRECOMUNIT LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE (DDG 123), stationed in San Diego, California, where he served as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for OT Division and is a PLANKOWNER. During his time onboard he was sent TAD to USS HIGGINS (DDG 76) to fill a gapped Chief billet while the ship was going through basic phase. After getting the CRY/EW team on the HIGGINS successfully through basic phase, Chief Payne went back to the to the PRECOMDET in Pascagoula, Mississippi. During his last year at DDG 123, he was the Command 3M Assistant and the LCPO for Medical Division getting them through a successful F-SOM. In January 2023 he transferred to USS MASON (DDG 87).

He served as OT LCPO on USS MASON from 2023-2026. Where he led 20 Sailors in SSES and the EW module during IKECSG 23-24 combat deployment to the Red Sea. Under his leadership his Sailors we instrumental in tracking over 350 one-way attack drones and 100 Anit-Ship Ballistic Missiles. His Sailors earned 32 NAMs with Combat “C” devices; 20 ESWS and 15 EAWS qualifications; 15 Promotions. As OPS DLCPO / OT LCPO from 2024-2026, led 60 Sailors during the last half of the IKECSG 23-24 Deployment. The department earned 52 NAMs, 1 BJOQ, 1 JSOQ, 1 SSOY, 1 BJOY, 1 JSOY, 1 DESRON 22 JSOY, 1 CCSG-10 JSOY, 52 ESWS and 39 EAWS qualifications; 51 Promotions to include 5 CPO Promotions. Chief Payne was screened for Senior Chief during this tour and finally departed MASON for IWTC Corry Station in April 2026.

Senior Chief Payne is currently stationed at IWTC Corry Station where he serves as the N73 Department Leading Chief Petty Officer and oversees various CTT “A” and “C” schools.

Senior Chief Payne’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (eleven awards, 2 with Combat “C” Device), Good Conduct (four awards), Battle “E” (four awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Senior Chief Payne has been a part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, Operation Poseidon’s Archer, Operation Spartan Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve and has various unit awards.

Senior Chief Payne is a die-hard fan of the 49ers and NY Yankees. He has been married to his wife Melissa for 15 years. Has two kids, Eleanor age 11 and Duncan age 5, one dog Moose, and two rabbits Muffin and Cini-Bun.