CMDCM R. David Suhr
Command Master Chief, USS Mahan (DDG 72)
11 August 2022
Master Chief Suhr a native of Middlesboro, Kentucky and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1998. After completing basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL, he attended Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes and Field Medical Service School in Camp Pendleton, CA. He then screened for the Reconnaissance Corpsman pipeline.
Upon graduation of Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman pipeline, he reported for sea duty at 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, CA, and served as platoon Reconnaissance Corpsman. His additional sea duty tours included, Assistant Team Leader 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force, CA; Element Leader 1st Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, CA and Medical Leading Chief Petty Officer Naval Special Warfare, VA. He has seen multiple deployments supporting worldwide operations. In addition, he completed shore duty assignments as instructor Leading Petty Officer at Naval Special Operations Medical Institute, Fort Bragg, NC.
Master Chief Suhr was selected for the Command Senior Enlisted Leader program in 2019 and was Senior Enlisted Leader of Honolulu Military Entrance Processing Station, HI.
Master Chief Suhr is an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist, Marine Combatant Diver, a Navy Senior Parachutist, Military Freefall Jump Master, and a Master Training Specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University. He is also a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course.
Command Master Chief Suhr’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and service medals and ribbons.