Master Chief Assink, a native of Lynden, Washington, enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1993. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Florida he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Orlando, Florida where he completed Nuclear Field MM “A” School and Nuclear Field Power School. He completed nuclear training at S5G Nuclear Power Training Unit, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Upon graduation, he reported for duty onboard USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) qualifying as a nuclear mechanical systems operator and Engineering Watch Supervisor. His sea duty assignments include USS SANTA FE (SSN 763) as Machinery Division LCPO, USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) as Engineering Department Master Chief, USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) as Reactor Propulsion LCPO and Reactor Training Division Officer (RT DIVO), and PCU GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) as RT DIVO, Reactor Department Master Chief (RDMC), and Test Program Supervisor. In addition, Master Chief Assink completed shore assignments at COMSUBRON 17 Performance Monitoring Team, COMSUBRON 7 as Staff Main Propulsion Assistant, and Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit, Ballston Spa, NY as MARF Prototype Plant Master Chief.
Master Chief Assink’s last tour was RDMC on PCU JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN 79) where he also filled the role of Command Master Chief (CMC) for six months. He was selected for Chief Petty Officer in 2003, Senior Chief in 2006 and Master Chief in 2013. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 187 Purple, CMC/COB Leadership Course class 239, and has earned his Enlisted Submarine, Aviation, and Surface Warfare designations.
Master Chief Assink has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology from Thomas Edison University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management from Purdue Global University. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (8 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.