Kevin D. Kikawa

National Chief Recruiter

21 November 2025

Master Chief Petty Officer Kevin D. Kikawa was born in San Diego, California, and graduated from Truckee High School in 1998. He entered the United States Navy on May 23, 2000.

He began his naval career with recruit training at Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Fire Controlman “A” School and CIWS “C” School in San Diego, California. His sea tours include assignments aboard USS Elliott (DD-967), USS Fletcher (DD-992), USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3), and USS Shoup (DDG-86).

Master Chief Kikawa transitioned to Navy Recruiting in 2006 following completion of the Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit. His initial assignment was with Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Seattle, where he served as a recruiter, Recruiter-in-Charge at Navy Recruiting Stations Everett and Monroe, and later as Zone Supervisor. He earned multiple accolades during this tour, including Rookie Recruiter of the Year, Northwest Zone Recruiter of the Year, and led his stations to back-to-back Station of the Year honors in FY09 and FY10.

He subsequently served at NRD Portland as the Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) overseeing both enlisted and officer recruiting operations across southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. During this tour, he was selected twice as Division LCPO of the Year (FY12 and FY13) and earned the prestigious title of National DLCPO of the Year in FY13.

In December 2008, Master Chief Kikawa converted to Navy Counselor (NC) within the Career Recruiting Force. He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 2009 and advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer in April 2018.

His assignments have included key leadership roles at Navy Recruiting Command (N7), Chief Recruiter at NTAG Portland, Region West Chief Recruiter, Operations Chief Recruiter, and he currently serves as the National Chief Recruiter, providing strategic executive-level leadership to the entire Navy Recruiting Enterprise.

Master Chief Kikawa’s personal awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (11), Good Conduct Medal (4), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. He is also a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 189, Dean’s List) and holds the Master Training Specialist designation.