In July 2023, Command Master Chief Stephenson became the 20th Command Master Chief of Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
A native of Rockledge, Florida, Command Master Chief Stephenson enlisted in the Navy and volunteered for the Submarine Force, in June 2000. He attended Recruit Training and Surface Electronic Technician (Communications) Training in Great Lakes, Illinois with follow on training in Norfolk, Virginia.
Following training, Command Master Chief Stephenson’s first duty station was at Naval Submarine Support Facility in Groton, Connecticut, where he worked in the NAV/IC Repair Shop. In June 2003, he volunteered for Submarine Service, attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, and cross-rated to Submarine Electronic Technician (Communications).
Command Master Chief Stephenson’s first submarine assignment was USS MIAMI (SSN 755) in Groton, where he earned his Enlisted Submarine Warfare insignia in December 2005. In 2009, he was assigned to the staff of Naval Submarine School, where he led the Responsive and Pre-Deployment Communications Training Division. Later in that same year, he was selected to Chief Petty Officer.
In March 2012, Command Master Chief Stephenson reported to USS TOLEDO (SSN 769) in Groton, as the Communications Leading Chief Petty Officer and NODEA. He was selected to Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2013. In October 2015, Command Master Chief Stephenson returned to Naval Submarine School where he served as the Training Support Department Master Chief.
After being selected to Master Chief Petty Officer in May 2018, he reported to USS SAN JUAN (SSN 751) in Groton as the Chief of the Boat. USS SAN JUAN was the selected as the Submarine Squadron Twelve Battle “E” unit, while the Chief’s Mess was singled out as Submarine Squadron Twelve Harry S. Morris Awardees, and Submarine Forces Atlantic Hugh McCracken Awardees.
In spring 2021, Command Master Chief Stephenson was selected to the Command Senior Enlisted Leadership Program. Prior to becoming Command Master Chief of Naval Submarine Base New London, he served most recently as the Command Master Chief of Submarine Squadron Eight in Norfolk, Virginia.
Command Master Chief Stephenson is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelors’ of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development. He is also a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Course 211 – BLUE, and CMC/COB Capstone Course 18070 at Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, Newport, Rhode Island.
Command Master Chief Stephenson is entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal. He is most proud of the various unit awards earned with his past Shipmates.
Last Updated: 28 July 2023