Command Master Chief

 

A native of Bullhead City, Arizona and a graduate of Mohave High, Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Derek G. Nelson entered the Navy through Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes in October 2003.  Upon completion of Basic Training, he was assigned to Basic Airman Apprenticeship School in Pensacola FL.

Nelson’s duty assignments include Patrol Squadron One (VP-1), where he converted to the rate of Aviation Maintenance Administration;  NRS Las Vegas Southwest Recruiter in Charge at Navy Recruiting District San Diego, CA, where he converted to the rate of Navy Career Counselor (CRF); Division Five Leading Chief Petty Officer at Navy Recruiting District Phoenix, Arizona, where he selected to Chief Petty Officer in 2011; Senior Enlisted Leader at Navy Recruiting District Philadelphia where he was selected for Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2016; and Assistant Chief Recruiter at Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles. He was selected into the Command Senior Chief Program in 2021 and reported to USS JACKSON (LCS 6) GOLD. During that tour he completed back to back 7^th and 3^rd Fleet deployments. His second CMC tour he was assigned as the CMC at Fleet Logistics Multi Mission Squadron Three Zero (VRM-30)  from 2023 to 2025. He is currently assigned as the Command Master Chief of Naval Hospital Okinawa.

He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (201 Red) and CMC/COB course 180. Major Command CMC Course #25090. He earned an Associates of Science Degree in Professional Studies, a Bachelors Degree of Science in Leadership, and a Master’s Degree of Science in Human Resource Management from Trident University.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Medal and various campaign and unit awards.