Command Master Chief
CMDCM (AW/SW) John R. Kemp
Master Chief John Kemp enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 20, 2002. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Chicago, Illinois he reported to Naval Training Center, Chicago, Illinois where he completed Quartermaster “A” School.
His sea duty assignments include Patrol Reconnaissance Wing (PATRECONWING) 1 detachment, Diego Garcia designated as a tactical support center operational control watch stander supporting VP-1 and VP-46 (2002-2003); the USS Vincennes (CG 49) in Yokosuka, Japan as a quartermaster of the watch (2003-2005); the USS Boxer (LHD 4) San Diego, California as the leading quartermaster of the watch (2005-2008).
His shore duty assignments include Navy Recruiting Station Weatherford at Naval Recruiting District Dallas, TX (2008-2011) as the leading chief petty officer. He converted to the Navy counselor rating in May 2011.
His follow-on commands as a Navy command career counselor were Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) Fifteen Virginia Beach, VA (2012-2013); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Three, Virginia Beach, Virginia (2013-2015); Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Patuxent River, Maryland (2015-2019); USS Wasp (LHD 1) Norfolk, Virginia (2019-2020).
In March 2020 he was selected to the path of command and reported to Fort Lee Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Fort Lee, Virginia as the senior enlisted advisor (2020-2022).
He currently serves as the command master chief of the “Fleet Angels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2.
His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus and an Associate in Supervision and Management from Coastline Community College. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy, Khaki group 213 (2018), and the Command Master Chief Course, class 21010 (2020).
His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.