Command Master Chief
CMDCM (AW/SW/IW) Kenneth J. Nixon
Command Master Chief Kenneth J. Nixon is a native of Berlin, Germany, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1992. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Florida, he attended Yeoman (YN) “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi.
Nixon has served in a myriad of sea duty assignments including multiple platforms. In 1993, he was detailed to the USS Dubuque (LPD 8). During this tour he was advanced to Petty Officer 3rd Class, selected as USS Dubuque Junior Sailor of the Year, and selected as Commander, Amphibious Group 1 Junior Sailor of the Year. In 1995, he reported to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) where he served as the commanding officer’s secretary and was advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class. In 1997, he was assigned to Sea Control Squadron (VS) 41 as the commanding officer’s secretary and was advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class. In 2001, he accepted orders to Commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 5, where he was selected as CPR-5’s Senior Sailor of the Year.
Nixon has served in a multiple of staff duty assignments. In 2004, he had the distinct honor of serving as the assistant director for congressional matters for the 73rd secretary of the Navy, where he was selected to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. In 2005, he accepted orders as flag writer to Commander, Naval District Washington. In 2007, he attended YN "C" School in Meridian, Mississippi, earning the flag writer navy enlisted classification (A15A). From September 2008 until March 2009 he served as the non-commissioned officer in charge for the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee for the 56th presidential inauguration. In 2009, he served as flag writer to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, followed on by his next assignment in 2011 as flag writer to Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, where he was selected to Senior Chief Petty Officer. In 2012, he served as flag writer to Commander, Navy Medicine National Capital Area and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, followed on as flag writer to Operations, Plans and Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5B) in 2013, and was selected to Master Chief Petty Officer. In 2014, he served in his final staff duty assignment as flag writer and senior enlisted leader to Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. In 2017, he reported to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Carolina and served as command master chief, during which the command was recognized with the Recruiting Bronze “R” award. In March 2021, he reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 where he is currently serving as the Command Master Chief.
He is a distinguished honor graduate for exceptional military excellence of the U.S. Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy and graduate of the CMC/Chief of the Boat/CSC Course Class 168. He holds a Master's degree from American Military University (Honor Graduate), a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina, and Associate's degree from American Military University (Honor Graduate).
Nixon’s warfare qualifications include Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist. His personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal (one award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (one award), Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (seven awards), Navy “E” Ribbon (one), Good Conduct Medal (ten awards), National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (one award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (one award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (one award), Humanitarian Service Medal (one award), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (three awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (five awards), Navy and Marine Overseas Service Ribbon (three awards), Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon (one award), Navy Expert Rifle Medal Ribbon (Bronze “S”) (one award), and various unit and campaign awards.