Command Master Chief
CMDCM(AW/SS) James T. Limehouse
Command Master Chief James Limehouse, a native of Walterboro, South Carolina, is a graduate of Walterboro High School. He enlisted in the Navy in August 2002 and attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon graduation, he reported to Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. In 2003, he attended Auxiliary “C” School and reported to USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) (Gold) in Kings Bay, Georgia, in August 2003.
While aboard USS Louisiana, he completed eight strategic deterrent patrols and conducted a homeport shift from Kings Bay to Bangor, Washington. In 2008, he reported to Trident Training Facility, Kings Bay, as a Damage Control Instructor and qualified as a Master Training Specialist. In November 2011, he reported to USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue) as the Auxiliary Division Leading Petty Officer, where he completed two strategic deterrent patrols and advanced to Chief Petty Officer in September 2012.
In February 2013, he reported to USS Hawaii (SSN 776) as the Auxiliary Division Leading Chief Petty Officer and completed a Western Pacific deployment. In February 2016, he reported to Submarine Squadron 20, as the Damage Control Assistant, where he completed qualifications for Chief of the Boat. In October 2018, he reported to USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Blue) as Chief of the Boat.
Selected for Command Master Chief in 2022, he reported in July 2023 as the Command Master Chief of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, the “Swamp Foxes,” where he completed a U.S. 5th Fleet deployment.
He reported to HSM-40, the “Airwolves,” in September 2025 as the Command Master Chief.
Limehouse earned an associate degree in supervision and management from Coastline Community College and is currently enrolled at Thomas Edison State University, working toward his bachelor’s degree. He is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 208, Purple) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and as well as various unit and service awards.