Command Master Chief

Command Master Chief Lamar Bethel
Command Master Chief, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic

Master Chief Lamar Bethel is a native of Danville, Virginia, and a 1991 graduate of George Washington High School.  He began his military career in 1992, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  Upon completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, and Hospital Corps School, he reported to his first command at Naval Hospital Portsmouth, Virginia, serving as an Anesthesia Technician.

His subsequent sea and overseas duty assignments include: PCU/USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74), Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan, 2^ND Medical Battalion/Combat Logistics Battalion TWO, Camp Lejeune, USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77), Naval Branch Health Clinic Bahrain, Naval Beach Unit SEVEN, and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE SEVEN.

His shore duty and operational assignments include: BHC Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Naval Hospital Yokosuka, and Navy Medicine Training Support Center, Fort Sam Houston.  He deployed for a six-month tour of duty in Kuwait with Expeditionary Medical Facility Dallas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He deployed for an eight-month tour of duty in Iraq with Combat Logistics Battalion TWO in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Sword in Al Anbar Province.  He deployed for 10-months onboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and Active Endeavor.

In January 2016, he was selected for the Command Master Chief Program and embarked on his first CMC tour as Command Master Chief at Naval Beach Unit SEVEN, Sasebo, Japan, in June 2018.  He continued his dedication in January 2021, reporting to U.S. Naval Hospital (NMRTC) Yokosuka,
Japan, for his 2nd CMC tour. Following this, he completed his 3rd CMC tour with Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE SEVEN, Manama, Bahrain.

Master Chief Bethel’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (7 awards),
alongside a plethora of unit and campaign awards.

Master Chief Bethel holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science.  He is a graduate of the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 124/Blue), CMC/COB course (Class 18090) and the National Defense University Keystone course.
In June 2024, he assumed the duties as Command Master Chief, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic.