NAS Jax welcomes Hudson as new CMC

"I think that one of the things I'm looking forward to the most is the challenge to do something completely different by working with warfare communities that I'm not used to working with," said Hudson.

"I've heard nothing but positive things regarding the teamwork at NAS Jax so I'm excited about being involved and being part of the team here. I've only been here for a short time and am already seeing that all the expectations that I brought with me are going to be exceeded."

Hudson was born in California and raised in Texas and California, eventually graduating from Paradise High School, Paradise, Calif. He enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1981. After completing Basic Training in San Diego, he attended Submarine School in Groton, Ct. and Advanced Electronic "A" School and Missile Technician "C" School in Virginia Beach, Va.

Hudson's first sea tour was on board USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657) (Gold), homeported in Charleston, S.C. While on board, he qualified submarines, advanced to missile technician first class, qualified as diving officer of the watch and served as the division leading petty officer. His next assignment was as a recruit company commander, Recruit Training Command (RTC), San Diego. While assigned to RTC he lead five recruit companies, was certified as a master training specialist, was hand selected to teach the recruit company commander course and was advanced to chief petty officer.

His next sea tour was on board USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Blue), homeported in Kings Bay, Ga. where he served as the weapons department leading chief petty officer and was advanced to senior chief petty officer. From there, Hudson transferred to Trident Training Facility (TTF), Kings Bay Ga. as the strategic training department leading chief petty officer. While assigned to TTF he completed his chief of the boat qualifications.

Hudson then graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy, Newport, R.I. with honors.

This led to follow-on orders as chief of the boat, USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue) homeported out of Kings Bay Ga. As chief of the boat, he was the first recipient of the Naval Submarine League Frank A. Lister Outstanding Chief of the Boat Award. He was also advanced to master chief petty officer.

Hudson was then selected to serve as command master chief, Submarine Group Ten, Kings Bay, Ga. In this capacity, his area of responsibility included eight major shore commands, eight submarines and 16 submarine crews. His last sea tour was as command master chief, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), homeported at NS Mayport. During this tour he was designated surface warfare specialist.

"I've been on submarines most of my naval career and wanted to do something completely different for my last tour. I heard this job was coming open and applied and here I am. I'm thrilled to be at NAS Jax," said Hudson. "One of the first things that hit me when I arrived was that this is definitely an atmosphere of team players. Everyone here is all about supporting the mission, which is taking care of our Sailors and making sure they are ready to do their mission when they are deployed."

"And, with all the new construction here, there is a lot of positive energy. So many other bases are worryed about being shut down, but NAS Jax has construction projects everywhere. It's really great," he continued.

As for his goals, Hudson is looking to his peers for their continued support. "I want to continue to engage the senior enlisted leadership here and continue to push the concept that we run the day-to-day routine. We run the evolution so our officers can concentrate on the big picture items and keep us focused on supporting the warfighter efforts," explained Hudson. "I would also like to continue to push for an increased level of cooperation between us and the community. I think it's great now, but I think it can be even better."

"I plan to continue the work that's been done here and follow the road that has been paved by my predecessors. Master Chiefs Chuck Lawson and Chris Green started some great programs here," continued Hudson. "It's like polishing the cannonball, just making sure we continue in the direction that's already been set."

As the new CMC, Hudson wants the NAS Jax team to know he has an open door policy and open to suggestions on how to improve the quality of life for the Sailors and their families here. "My door is always open, but I strongly recommend our junior Sailors engage their chain of command with any questions and concerns they have. If they don't utilize their chain of command, the information won't get up to us," he emphasized. "I am not able to talk to each individual Sailor on base here on a day-to-day basis, so talk to those who you do interact with every day. Trust your chiefs and division officers to ensure the right information is getting to us and that we are getting the right information to them."

In his free time, Hudson enjoys spending time with his wife, Lisa, riding his Harley and jet ski and scuba diving. He is also working on his college education. "I plan to complete my degree while I'm stationed here and then teach school when I retire in three years," he said. "We plan to stay in Jacksonville and I plan to become a high school history teacher for my next career. I think between my professional goals and personal goals, this tour is going to be quite busy for the next three years but I look forward to it."