FORCM (SS) Kirk Saunders
Master Chief Saunders was born in Birmingham, Ala. He entered the Navy in July 1987, and attended recruit training in San Diego, Basic Submarine School in Groton, Conn., and Torpedoman Class “A” School in Orlando, Fla.
His first submarine assignment was aboard USS Richard B. Russell (SSN 687) in Mare Island, Calif., where he qualified in submarines and earned the Silver Dolphins. Other sea tours included USS NORFOLK (SSN 714) where he served as Torpedo Division LCPO and Combat Systems Department Enlisted Advisor and USS BOISE (SSN 764) where he served as Chief of the Boat.
His first shore tour assignment was at Navy Recruiting District Miami, Fla., where he served as a production recruiter and Recruiter in Charge and advanced to chief petty officer. Other shore tours included duty on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet where he served as the senior enlisted leader and weapons evaluator on the Tactical Readiness Evaluation Team, and Commander, Submarine Squadron Eleven where he served as Command Master Chief.
Saunders is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 112 (Blue) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course Class 10.
In July 2010, Saunders relieved as the Force Master Chief for Commander, Submarine Forces in Norfolk, Va.
He is entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), and other unit and campaign awards.