Senior Chief Pickens is a native of Philadelphia, Mississippi. He attended Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois August 8, 1998. Upon completion of Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to his first command Assault Craft Unit ONE.
His next tour was onboard the USS PORTLAND (LSD 37) in Little Creek, Va. During his tour he completed multiple Mediterranean deployments, serving as the as Legal Clerk and Work Center Supervisor. His first shore duty was Tactical Training Group Atlantic Dam Neck, Va, serving as the work center supervisor and pass liaison Clerk, ensuring all student pay and travel were complete prior to their ISTOP being completed. Reported to his next ship USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39) completing a deployment around the West Coast of Africa. While onboard he served as the Supply Admin LPO, Admin LPO, and Ship's secretary. United States European Command was his first joint tour. He served in J1 as the Manning and Admin supervisor. Helped stand up United States Africa Command at 100% meeting all required filled Navy and Marine Corps billets. He also worked in the J1 front office, ensuring daily routines were met by manning the front office day to day schedule. First tour in the Pacific north west was onboard the USS SHOUP in Everett, Wa, served as the Administrative Leading Petty Officer and Navigation Department Leading Petty Officer. He led his department through three arduous and successful Western Pacific deployments during his tenure. Selected for Chief Petty Officer on his next tour to Commander Naval Meteorology Command as the Flag Writer and Admin Department Leading Chief Petty Officer at Stennis Space Center, Ms. During his time onboard he was the Flag Writer for VADM Brown, RADM Okon, and RDML Gallaudet. Prior to reporting to Naval Support Facility Poland he served as the Administrative Department Leading Chief for Naval Mobile Construction 133 in Gulfport, Ms. Led his department and a 580 manned Battalion through three successful deployments dispersed across five COCOMS.
Professional qualifications include, the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Seabee Combat Warfare, and Information Dominance Warfare insignia.
His personal awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Naval and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards), as well as numerous unit, campaign awards.
Last Updated: 7 June 2023