Command Master Chief
CMDCM Mark D. Harlow
Command Master Chief Mark D. Harlow, a native of Goochland, Virginia, enlisted in the United States Navy, March 2000 and reported to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois.
Upon completion of Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in June of 2000, he reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola for Aviation Ordnanceman ‘A’ School. Harlow was accelerated advanced to third class petty officer for performance in training. He then reported to NAS Fallon Weapons Department where he was named the 2001 Junior Sailor of the Year. In July 2002, he transferred to Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and completed deployments to Kandahar, Afghanistan; Tallil, Iraq; and Misawa, Japan. In 2007, he reported to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois for duties as a recruit division commander. After completion of Recruit Division Commander ‘C’ School, he successfully trained nine divisions as well as earned his Master Training Specialist and qualified as a Recruit Division Commander ‘C’ School Instructor. In May of 2010, he transferred to VP-4 of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and was selected to chief petty officer in 2010. Harlow cross-decked to VP-47 and qualified Safe-for-Flight with deployments to Sigonella, Sicily and Djibouti, Africa. In August 2015, he reported for duties as the senior enlisted leader for Training Support Center, Hampton Roads Dam Neck.
In October 2018, he reported to Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command as the executive assistant to the Fleet Master Chief. In March of 2021, Harlow transferred to the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20). He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 206, Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and an associate degree from Coastline Community College.
His decorations include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (5 awards), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2 awards) and other various unit and campaign awards.