Command Master Chief Daniel Chester Hemingway II is the NSA Mechanicsburg/NSA Philadelphia Command Senior Enlisted Leader – the second sailor ever to be appointed to this newly created position. He began his tour June 2, 2023.
A native of Newark, New Jersey, and graduate of Malcom X Shabazz High School, Master Chief Hemingway entered the United States Navy as a Mess Management Specialist, and attended basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, in April 2003.
He attended MS “A” school at Kendall College, in Chicago, Ill.. His first duty station was onboard the USS Cushing DD 985 in Yokosuka, Japan. During his tour there, he assumed the position of night baker and CO’s Cook and became the only E-2 onboard to earn his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin. He then transferred to the USS Stethem DDG 63, also in Yokosuka, Japan, where he worked as the Watch Captain.
Upon the completion of two deployments, Master Chief Hemingway checked onboard the USS John Paul Jones DDG 53, in San Diego, Calif., where he worked as the Bulk Store Room Custodian. He then reported to Naval Base Ventura County for his first shore duty.
CMDCM Hemingway was selected for special programs, and was detailed to The Presidential Food Service, where he led the Navy’s largest most exclusive private mess. Handpicked to be the Oval Office Valet, he worked directly under the direction of both President Obama and President Trump, alongside the United States Secret Service to provide food service safety and security to the President and first family. After a successful tour at the White House, Command Senior Chief Hemingway was assigned to NSA Souda Bay, assuming the position of Admin Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Deputy Food Service Officer and Housing Director. His next assignment was onboard the USS Germantown, where he served as Supply Department’s Leading Chief Petty Officer and was selected into the Command Senior Chief Program.
Master Chief Hemingway is married to his wife Lynda Hemingway. They have four children: Betty, Destiny, Nicolas and Daniel Hemingway lll.
His personal awards include: Meritorious Service Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6); The Presidential Service Badge; Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and numerous campaign and unit awards.
Last Updated: 2 August 2024