Fleet CMD Master Chief Raymond Kemp Sr Post Retirement

Appreciated opportunity to attend retirement ceremony Friday for 33 year US Navy veteran Fleet MC Raymond Kemp.

We met at NYC Fleet Week when he served on USS Kearsarge and stayed in touch. Ray completed the US Army Sgt Major school leading to Master Chief assignments on two ships including the aircraft carrier Harry Truman on a long deployment to the middle east. At a colleague's retirement he said, "Very important we brought everyone home safely".

Ray called periodically into our WVOX SALRADIO programs, one time was on Thanksgiving Day while he was overseas on the Truman. To fit our schedule, AM in NY, he called in despite a busy time on the ship. When I watched the news that night, they showed the VIPs from Washington visiting the Truman for the holiday, visitors he was likely involved with hosting, but Ray kept the call appointment.

The MC received letters of appreciation from four Presidents, over 100 Navy Petty Officers and colleagues were on hand to "Pipe him a Shore":

After the ceremony aboard the Truman in Norfolk, full of long standing Navy traditions, we spoke about his service, family, and importance of mentors to a military career.

Thank you for your service and that of your family!