Last modified Wed., September 27, 2006 - 03:33 PM
Originally created Thursday, September 28, 2006

Hickey retires after 21 years of service

By MC2 Jason Trevett, Special Contributor

SKCM(AW) Tracy Hickey said her final goodbyes to her fellow shipmates of Navy Reserve Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Jacksonville Detachment 108 when she retired from the Navy after 21 years of service Sept 23.

Born in Nottingham, Pa., Hickey began her military career in August 1985 when she enlisted in the U.S. Navy and graduated with honors from Aviation Storekeeper ''A'' school in Meridian, Miss.

''The most rewarding part of my career has been helping other Sailors advance,'' said Hickey. ''When one of us has a problem in our unit, we all stand up and face it together. It has been a pleasure to watch others rise through the ranks and overcome adversity.''

Her duty stations included stints at sea and on shore. Upon completion of her initial active duty tour, Hickey affiliated with the Naval Reserve and was quickly mobilized in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In 1993, she graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Central Florida. In 1994, Hickey was selected as Navy Reserve NAS Jacksonville Sailor of the Year. Then in 1995, she transferred to Naval Reserve, Commander, Naval Air Force East Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. where she was was advanced to chief petty officer.

''I've been blessed with working with some really great people throughout my career,'' Hickey said.

In 1999, she volunteered and mobilized for the Kosovo Campaign aboard USS Inchon (MCS 12). Upon her return, she was awarded her certified public accountant's license from Texas A&M University with a master of accountancy degree. Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, she volunteered for recall and received orders to National Imagery and Mapping Agency (West) as officer in charge of the security forces detachment. She advanced to master chief petty officer in 2002. Hickey is married to Danny Hickey, a retired chief petty officer and has a daughter, Becky and son, Jason.

''All of us feel both sadness and happiness for different reasons. As we honor and say goodbye to a highly respected master chief petty officer,'' said Capt. Walter Farrell, who spoke at Hickey's retirement ceremony. ''Tracy, we are sorry to see you go. You have devoted 21 years of your life to outstanding and dedicated service to this country, and for all that, master chief, I thank you. We all thank you!''