Command Master Chief
CMDCM(SW/AW) Dennis "Mel" Stubbs
Master Chief Dennis “Mel” Stubbs, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, enlisted in the United States Navy in August 2000 and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. After bootcamp, he reported to Dam Neck Naval Base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he completed Operation Specialist "A" school.
His first assignment was to U.S. 3rd Fleet in San Diego, California, embarked aboard USS Coronado (AGF 11), where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Qualification. In 2004, he advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class, and he earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Qualification while on deployment aboard USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) and USS Essex (LHD 2) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
His next sea duty assignment was aboard USS Carney (DDG 64) in Mayport, Florida, where he served as an Air Intercept Controller and completed three deployments. His third sea duty assignment was at U.S. 5th Fleet where he advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class and earned his Joint Interface Control Cell Watch Officer (JICCWO) and Combined Maritime Forces Battle Watch Captain (CMF BWC) qualifications.
In February 2010, he checked into his first shore duty assignment at Navy Recruiting District Jacksonville, Florida, and attained the Recruiter-in-Charge (RINC) qualification. In 2013, his fourth sea duty assignment lead him back to USS Carney (DDG 64), where he advanced to Chief Petty Officer and qualified as Anit-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC) and completed two deployments.
In 2016, his fifth sea duty assignment was Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50, in Manama, Bahrain, were he qualified as Task Force (CTF) 55 Battle Watch Captain (CTF 55 BWC) and CTF-54 Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare Watch Officer (TASWWO). In March 2018, he checked into his second shore assignment at Navy Talent Acquisition Group Jacksonville, Florida, where he advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer.
In 2021, Stubbs was selected for the Command Senior Chief program. He has served as the Command Senior Chief for PCU Marinette (LCS 25) and USS Detroit (LCS 7) Gold crew. Also, he has served as Command Master Chief for Mine Division 22 and Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 113, the “Black Eagles.”
He is currently serving as the Command Master Chief of Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 2.
Stubbs holds a master's degree in criminal justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Excelsior University; he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 225, CMC/COB Course Class 226.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards).