Command Master Chief Chris Carman enlisted in the United States Navy from Kalamazoo, Michigan in July 1999. He attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of Basic Training, he attended Naval Aircrewman Operator “A” school and Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and Electronic Warfare Operator “C” School in Jacksonville, FL.

Command Master Chief’s first duty assignment was aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) homeported in Everett, WA where he qualified as an Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist. His other Sea tours include Patrol Squadron Sixteen (VP-16), qualifying as an Electronic Warfare Operator instructor and NATOPS evaluator; Fleet Support Unit FIVE (FSU-5), instructing the fleet on the Littoral Surveillance Radar System (LSRS); Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5) functioning as the Senior Aircrewman and as the Command Master Chief of the USS Marinette (LCS 25).

Master Chief’s shore tours include Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30) as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor and a Fleet Instructor, and also to Maritime, Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School (MPRWS) as the lead instructor and Senior Enlisted Leader.

Command Master Chief’s academic achievements include a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 218, Gray) and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat (Class 21130) courses.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy Air Medal-strike/flight (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), as well as numerous unit and campaign awards.

He has been serving as the Command Master Chief onboard the Airborne Command and Control Squadron One Two One (VAW-121) since August 2023.