Patricia "Pat" Nicometo
U.S. Navy 1973 – 2003
Patricia “Pat” Nicometo is a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief with a 30-year career (1973–2003) spanning global communications, training, and senior enlisted leadership. A native of Ipswich, South Dakota, she entered the Navy as a radioman, completing basic in Orlando and “A” School at Bainbridge, MD, before assignments to NAS Alameda and a formative four-year tour on Guam (advancing from E-4 to E-6). She later served in Yokosuka, Japan, where she was promoted to Chief, and at NAVCAMS EASTPAC, Hawaii, rising to Senior Chief and base training officer for a command of roughly 4,500. Returning to Recruit Training Command Orlando as a company commander became the highlight of her career—where she helped stand up male–female integrated training companies and mentored recruits with hands-on care and high standards. Selected as Master Chief, Nicometo served as Command Master Chief at NCTS Sicily and later at Personnel Support Activity Jacksonville, overseeing pay and personnel across the Southeast and making operational visits to Guantánamo Bay. After retiring, she completed a bachelor’s in workforce development and a dual master’s in human resources, then served 11 years as an assistant county HR director. Now in Florida, she leads local veterans’ organizations, including serving as commander of the Stonecrest Veterans Club and supporting Tri-County Women Veterans.
Full Interview
Interview Summary
Access the Complete Transcript Here:
Introduction (00:46 – 02:30)
Joining the Navy and Basic Training (02:44 – 05:00)
Naval Career Progression and Family Life (05:08 – 09:17)
Recruit Training Command Experience (09:17 – 17:55)
Facing Gender Barriers and Assignments in Italy (17:55 – 31:14)
Reflections on the Progress of Women in the Military (31:14 – 36:43)
Post-Navy Career and Education (36:43 – 42:06)
Involvement with Veterans Organizations (42:06 – 47:44)
Advice for Young People Considering Military (47:44 – 55:33)
