Command Master Chief
CMDCM (AW/SW) Craig T. Sinclair
Command Master Chief Sinclair is a native of Apopka, Florida, and a graduate of Apopka High School. In August 1994, he enlisted in the United States Navy and attended Basic Training in Orlando, Florida. Upon completion of basic training, he attended apprenticeship training in Orlando, Florida.
His first assignment after apprenticeship training was Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 in Atsugi, Japan. He was later promoted to Aviation Electricians Mate (AE) 3rd Class and in August 1997, attended AE “A” School in Pensacola, Florida. In 1998, Sinclair was advanced to AE2 while assigned to HSL-40. During this tour, he served as work center supervisor, and later earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification.
In 2002, he reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7. While assigned, he deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS George Washington (CVN 73), supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Unification of the Americas. In 2003 he advanced to AE1, and later earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification.
In 2007, Sinclair reported to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jacksonville, Florida. During this tour, he served as an instructor and later in 2007 promoted to Chief Petty Officer. In 2010, Sinclair reported to HS-14 and served as the flight deck coordinator, detachment leading chief petty officer (LCPO), and maintenance supervisor. He deployed with CVW-5 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Mustin (DDG 89) as the detachment LCPO.
While assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic, he served as the readiness LCPO and in 2013, promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. In 2016, he reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, and was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program. He assumed duties as command senior chief aboard the USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB-3) Gold MILCREW and later promoted to command master chief (CMDCM).
Sinclair served as the first CMDCM of USS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB-3). In 2018, he transferred to Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 and served as the CMDCM until February 2021. He then served as the CMDCM for CVW-8 where he deployed with the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) until April 2023. He currently serves as CMDCM for Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 11.
Sinclair is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 188 (Gold) and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Class 165 and ELS 20-1
His decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6) and various unit and campaign awards.