Command Master Chief
CMDCM (AW/IW/NAC/SW) Ryan J. Fitzgerald

Command Master Chief Ryan J. Fitzgerald entered Naval Service from Denver, Colorado in 1995.   He attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.   Upon completion of Basic Training, he attended Aircrew Survival Equipmentman “A” School at Naval Air Technical Training Center Millington, Tennessee.
 
Fitzgerald’s first sea duty assignment was aboard USS Independence (CV 62) home ported in Yokosuka, Japan.  His follow on tours include Helicopter Support Squadron (HC) 4 Sigonella, Italy; Navy Recruiting District Denver, Colorado; Special Projects Command (VPU) 2 Kaneohe, Hawaii; Naval Air Technical Training Center Pensacola, Florida; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72 Jacksonville, Florida. 
 
In May 2016, he was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program. He served on board USS Devastator (MCM 6) Manama, Bahrain as senior enlisted leader.   His Command Master Chief tours began September, 2018 with the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46 in Mayport, Florida.  In November 2020, he reported to the “Griffins” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 in San Diego, California, and is currently serving as Command Master Chief.
 
Fitzgerald’s academic achievements include Senior Enlisted Primary Professional Military Education and graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 206, gold, as well as Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Class 17130.
 
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Seven awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Six awards), and numerous other unit and campaign awards.