Command Master Chief
CMDCM (AW/SW/IW) Steven S. Lee
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Command Master Chief Lee enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1993 and immediately reported to basic training onboard Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion, he attended Aviation Machinist’s Mate “A” School in Millington, Tennessee, and upon graduation was designated to the rate of Aviation Machinist’s Mate.
In April 1994, he reported to the “Black Aces” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 41 where he deployed onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 67).
In April 1998, he transferred to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic where he held the position as a test cell operator in which he tested and evaluated numerous aircraft engines.
In April 2001, he reported to the “Checkmates” of VF-211 as power plants leading petty officer, and deployed onboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as well as USS Enterprise (CVN 65). While assigned to the “Checkmates”, he earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualifications.
In December 2004, he reported to Naval Aviation Maintenance Training Group Detachment Oceana as a “C” school instructor for F-14 power plants and related systems. It was during this tour that Lee was selected and promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. In January 2008, he reported to the “Knighthawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, where he served as line division leading chief petty officer and maintenance control supervisor. During this tour, he once again deployed onboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). In October 2011, he reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 and promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer while serving as the senior enlisted advisor. In September 2014, he reported to the “Rampagers” of VFA-83, where he served as maintenance control leading chief petty officer and deployed onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). During this tour he selected for the command senior enlisted leader program and served as the VFA-83 command senior chief.
In January 2017, he reported as senior enlisted leader to Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facilities, Virginia Capes where he promoted to Command Master Chief in September 2017. Lee then reported to the “Blacklions” of VFA-213 in May 2018 and served as the command master chief until March 2021. In April 2021, Lee reported for duty as the command master chief of the “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 and served in that capacity until his detachment in June 2023.
Currently, Lee is serving as the Command Master Chief for Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.
Lee’s personal awards include the two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous other campaign and unit awards. Additionally, Master Chief Lee is a 2016 graduate of the Naval War College, Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 201).