NAPLES, Italy — Master Chief Petty Officer Bradley LeVault took the helm Monday as the top enlisted sailor for Naval Forces Europe and Africa. LeVault relieved Fleet Master Chief Anthony Evangelista, who had been at the command headquartered in Naples for the past four years.

"This is my fourth overseas tour," LeVault said in a statement announcing his selection. "I have a great deal of experience to bring to the fight, and I’m ready to lead Sailors in this area of responsibility."

In September 2006, LeVault assumed the duties of command master chief of Joint Task Force-Guantanamo. Other previous assignments include company commander at Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Fla.; leading chief petty officer at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., and instructor at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy in El Paso, Texas.

He is a graduate of the sergeants major academy and earned a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies at the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. He joined the Navy in October 1982.

The fleet master chief post has a broad job description, which includes meeting the needs of all rank levels, from the four-star admiral here to those of a junior deck seaman.

"My primary focus begins with the Chief’s Mess and extends to the entire NCO Corps," LeVault stated, using the Navy’s term for the assembly of chief petty officers and noncommissioned officers. "I specifically include E-5 and E-6 sailors as they represent the majority of the enlisted leadership, and I include them just as much as the Chief’s Mess in being responsible for mission accomplishment — developing Sailors and caring for our families."

Evangelista is retiring after about three decades of service.

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