After graduating from high school, West enlisted in the
United States Navy. He received recruit training and
Quartermaster training at
Orlando, Florida, followed by
Enlisted Submarine School at
Naval Submarine Base New London in
Groton, Connecticut. His first duty assignment was on board , where he completed
Submarine Qualifications. Other assignments include , ,
Commander Naval Activities United Kingdom, (Blue), and Tactical Readiness Evaluation team on
COMSUBPAC Staff.
Leadership assignments West was then assigned as
Chief of the Boat on board the
San Diego–based Fast Attack Submarine , completing two Western Pacific deployments. The crew earned two
Battle Efficiency "E" awards. He then served as
command master chief at Commander, Submarine Squadron Eleven. Upon completion of his tour, he was selected as
force master chief and attended the
Senior Enlisted Academy in
Newport, Rhode Island. West served as force master chief, Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet (
COMSUBPAC) from January 2001 to January 2004. West was then assigned to homeported in San Diego, where he completed a deployment to the
Persian Gulf and qualified as
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. He was selected during his tour on the USS
Preble to serve as
United States Pacific Fleet,
fleet master chief, from February 2005 to June 2007. Since 2007, West had served as the 14th fleet master chief for
Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command, prior to his selection as
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) beginning December 12, 2008. On December 12, 2008, West accepted the passing of the ceremonial
cutlass from outgoing MCPON
Joe R. Campa. On September 28, 2012, he stepped down as MCPON and retired from the navy after a three-decade career. ==Awards and decorations==