YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Command Master Chief Robert Shannon assumed duties as the top enlisted sailor of U.S. Naval Forces Japan on Tuesday.

Shannon takes over for Command Master Chief Luis Cruz, who attended a retirement ceremony in his honor Friday.

In his previous role, Shannon served as the top enlisted sailor at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan.

Shannon joined the Navy in 1981 and has served on the submarines USS Sam Rayburn, USS George Washington Carver, USS San Juan and USS Newport News. He also has held staff positions at Groton, Conn.; Charleston, S.C.; and Guam.