Command Master Chief
CMDCM Fernando L. Carson
Command Master Chief Carson is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. In July of 2002, he reported to Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois, as an Airman Recruit.
Carson completed Aviation Machinist Mate ‘A’ School training at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) Pensacola, Florida. In January 2003, he reported to Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 12, the “Fighting Omars,” at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Virginia. He worked as an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft Plane Captain and Power Plants Mechanic Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI), promoting to 3rd and then 2nd Class Petty Officer.
In 2007, he transferred to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 84, the “Red Wolves,” at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. He served as a Plane Captain, Power Plants Mechanic and Full System Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) on the HH-60H Seahawk helicopter. While attached to HSC-84, he deployed to Iraq twice, once in 2008 and again in 2010. He was promoted to 1st Class Petty Officer during this tour.
In 2011, Carson transferred back to VFC-12, now called the “Ambush,” at NAS Oceana, Virginia. There, he served as an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft Plane Captain and Full System QAR. In 2014 while attached to VFC-12, he was selected to Chief Petty Officer, where he then severed as 100 Division Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO).
In 2015, Carson transferred to Fleet Logistic Support Squadron (VR) 62, the “Nomads,” at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. There he served as 100 Division LCPO, Training LCPO, QAS and Maintenance Control LCPO. He qualified as a Full System QAR and Safe for Flight (SFF) on the C-130T Hercules aircraft.
In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer and transferred to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 58, the “Sunseekers,” at NAS Jacksonville, Flordia. He served as Quality Assurance Officer, Maintenance Senior Chief and Operations LCPO. He qualified as a Full System QAR and SFF on the C-40A Clipper aircraft. In March 2020, Carson graduated the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 230) and in 2022, he promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer.
In 2023, Carson transferred to Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West Detachment McGuire out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. He served as the Senior Enlisted Leader. In March 2025, he was selected for Command Master Chief.
In 2025, Carson transferred to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 60 out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where he is currently serving as the Command Master Chief.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.