Navy commissions first Executive Support Technician chief warrant officer

SINGAPORE (Oct. 1, 2026) - The Navy commissioned Chief Yeoman Tom Reyes as its first Executive Support Technician (EST) chief warrant officer Oct. 1, marking a milestone for the new warrant officer community.

At the Singapore-based headquarters of Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, Reyes serves as the commander's flag writer, providing executive support to a command responsible for logistics, diving and salvage missions across the Western Pacific. The inaugural EST in-service procurement board selected him for appointment as chief warrant officer 2, making him one of approximately 90 Sailors across the Navy entering the new EST warrant officer community Oct. 1. The Navy established the community to give flag writers a dedicated officer career path and strengthen front-office support for general and flag officers.

"I am proud to join the first group of Executive Support Technicians," Reyes said. "Flag writers rely on judgment, discretion and a deep understanding of the leaders and commands we support. This community gives us a path to develop our expertise and advance in the Navy."

In June, Navy administrative message (NAVADMIN) 152/26 announced the EST community and the Navy's first program to select qualified Sailors for direct appointment to both warrant officer and chief warrant officer grades. NAVADMIN 201/26 subsequently announced the inaugural selectees, with an Oct. 1 date of rank. The new designators are 7904 for warrant officers and 7901 for chief warrant officers.

"Tom has earned the trust this work demands every day," said Rear Adm. Aaron Taylor, commander of Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73. "He understands how a flag staff operates, anticipates what the team needs and keeps us focused on the decisions supporting the fleet. His commission recognizes his expertise and opens a new path for the Sailors who will follow him."

The transition builds on the Flag Writer Program while giving its specialists a dedicated officer community and a framework for training and advancement. EST warrant officers will serve as technical specialists in the administrative requirements of general and flag officer front offices.

"This moment belongs to the flag writers who built the program and to the Sailors stepping into it now," Reyes said. "I hope the way I serve in this role reflects the standard they have set and helps the next generation see what is possible."

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 provides expeditionary logistics and diving and salvage capabilities to the U.S. 7th Fleet, enabling sustained maritime operations and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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