Master Chief John "Jack" Downey's last assignment was command master chief First Coast Guard District from June 2006 to June 2008. His primary responsibilities were to advise Rear Admiral Timothy S. Sullivan, commander of First Coast Guard District, on issues and initiatives pertaining to all Coast Guard members and their families within District One. The First District includes eight states in the Northeast and 2,000 miles of coastline from the United States-Canada border to northern New Jersey. Master Chief Downey entered recruit training at Training Center Cape May in November 1966; he has served continuously in the Coast Guard for over 40 years in Reserve and active duty status. Master Chief Downey is the first recipient of the Joshua James Keeper Award (Ancient Keeper). Master chief held this distinguished title of Ancient Keeper until he retired. The Joshua James Keeper Award recognizes longevity and outstanding performance in Coast Guard Boat Forces operations.
The award's namesake, Captain Joshua James, saved 626 lives and is the most celebrated lifesaver in Coast Guard history. Master Chief Downey has held the title of officer in charge of Boat Forces units for more than 17 cumulative years and has served in the Boat Forces community for more than 20 years. Master Chief Downey has served in a wide variety of operational, command and staff assignments; five officer in charge multimission ashore assignments; and two officer in charge afloat assignments, aboard CGC Towline and CGC Hammerhead. Other afloat assignments are the CGC Casco, CGC Chase and CGC Cape George. Master Chief Downey also served temporary duty assignments aboard CGC Seneca, CGC Reliance, CGC Neah Bay and CGC Point Hannon. Early in his career he was assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Salem as a crewman aboard a rescue and recover craft for water takeoff and landing of Coast Guard aircraft. Staff assignments were chief in the barracks for Gulf Company and lead instructor for the Command and Operations School at the Leadership and Development Center located at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Master Chief Downey's personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with a gold star and operational distinguishing device, Coast Guard Commendation Medal with three gold stars and operational distinguishing device, Letter of Commendation with operational distinguishing device, Good Conduct Medal with a silver star and the Navy League Douglas A.
Munro Award for inspirational leadership. Jack and his wife, Judith, reside in Narragansett, Rhode Island, where he is now the Narragansett harbormaster.