Command Master Chief
CMDCM Brian H. "Tito" Santa Cruz
Command Master Chief Brian H. “Tito” Santa Cruz, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, enlisted in October of 2004 as an Aviation Maintenance Administrationman (AZ) and completed basic training at Recruit Training Center Great Lakes, Illinois. After completing AZ “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi, he reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 in Point Mugu, California, where he worked as an FA-18 plane captain for two years and advanced to Second Class Petty Officer before transferring.
Santa Cruz continued on to serve at Helicopter Mine Counter Measures Squadron (HM) 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Strategic Communications Wing (SCW) 1 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in Norfolk, Virginia, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, and his last tour of duty as an AZ before his selection to Command Senior Chief was at Fleet Logistics (VRC) 40, Norfolk, Virginia.
Serving his first tour as a Command Senior Chief, Santa Cruz reported to the USNS Comfort in June of 2022. During his tour, the Comfort executed COMFEX 2023 and the Continuing Promise 2022 mission before Santa Cruz’s eventual selection to Command Master Chief and follow on assignment to the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11.
Santa Cruz’s academic achievements include a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, two graduate certificates from Liberty University; a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Bellevue University; and a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy.
His warfare qualifications include Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist.
His personal decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards); the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards); the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2 awards); and numerous other unit and campaign awards.