Command Master Chief
CMDCM (AW/SW/IW) Roderick T. Bolton
Command Master Chief Petty Officer Bolton is a native of Houston, Texas. He reported to basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, in August 2000. After completing basic training, he attended Information Systems Technician (IT) “A” School and began his naval career.
His sea assignments include commissioning USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7), deploying aboard USS NASSAU (LHA 4) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and serving on USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) during a humanitarian deployment in support of African Partnership Station. He also served aboard USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) during a deployment with the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility, and on USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73) during an independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
His shore assignments include Naval Communication Telecommunications Station Hampton Roads; Naval Information Warfare Training Group, Norfolk; Hopper Information Services Center, Far East Detachment, Yokosuka, Japan; and the Defense Information Systems Agency, Regional Field Command Pacific, Honolulu, HI.
In April 2023, he reported to USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) as the Senior Enlisted Leader and was selected as Command Master Chief in 2024. During this tour, he completed a U.S. Fourth Fleet deployment. He reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Four Eight (HSM-48) in March 2025. Academically, he holds an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Saint Leo University and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity from the same institution. He is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 223, Red Group) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat (CMC/COB) Course (Class 22100).
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit and campaign awards.