Master Chief (SW/AW/SS) Benjamin T. Howat is a native of Hastings, NE. He enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and attended recruit training, Nuclear Field "A" School, and Naval Nuclear Power School at Orlando, FL. followed by Nuclear Prototype Training at Nuclear Prototype Training Unit Windsor Locks, CT.
His sea tours included USS PUFFER (SSN 652), USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN 716), USS BREMERTON (SSN 698) and USS TOPEKA (SSN 754).
His Shore duty assignments include Navy Recruiting District, San Diego, CA and Nuclear Prototype Training Unit Charleston, SC.
His Command Master Chief assignments included Commander, Task Force 76 in the 7th Fleet area of operations, Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137) at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA and Assault Craft Unit FIVE (ACU-5) at Camp Pendleton, CA.
Master Chief Howat is a graduate from the US Army Sergeants Major Academy class 61, Command Leadership School COB/CMC course class 88 and is a Keystone Course 15-2 graduate. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College.
Master Chief Howat's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (seven awards) and other unit and campaign medals.