Command Master Chief
CMDCM (SW) Tarvares J. Lafate

Command Master Chief Lafate is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He enlisted in the United States Navy in September 2000. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he reported to Mess Management “A” School, San Antonio, Texas, where he completed apprenticeship training.

Upon graduation, he reported for duty as a Mess Management Specialist onboard USS Cushing (DD 985), homeported at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. He joined the Master Chief Petty Officer ranks in 2021 and was selected to the Command Master Chief program in 2023.   

His sea tours include USS Cushing (DD 985), USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Vicksburg (CG 69), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and USS Portland (LPD 27), where he served as interim command master chief, filling a critical gapped billet. 

His ashore assignments include, Naval Station Mayport, Naval Hospital Pensacola, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.  

He is currently assigned as Command Master Chief of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126. 

Lafate is a graduate of the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 239, Khaki) and the CMC/COB Course (Class 23140). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Management and Technology.  

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, USS The Sullivans Foundation Leadership award, and various service medals and campaign awards.