CMDCM FERNANDO S. BALLA
Command Master Chief, USS Mahan (DDG 72)
18 February 2025
Master Chief Balla, a native of Norfolk, Virginia reported to RTC Great Lakes, Illinois in December 1999 and began his career as an Electrician’s Mate. His assignments include his first duty station to the pre-com unit and commissioning of the USS IWO JIMA(LHD- 7). He served 3 years as IWO JIMA’s rewind shop LPO and advanced into ranks all the way to Second Class Petty Officer. He then transferred to his second sea duty station to the USS MITSCHER (DDG-57). Onboard, he served as the Acting Chief Petty Officer, due to the billet being gap. He transferred to his first shore command to the Mid Atlantic Regional Calibration Center (MARCC Lab) and was the Mechanical Division Leading Petty Officer and advanced to First Class Petty Officer. He transferred to the USS MONTEREY (CG-61) where he serve 5 years and advanced to Chief Petty Officer. He then transferred to his second shore command to Afloat Training Group Norfolk (ATG) as a Team Lead and achieved his Master Training Specialist Certification. He transferred to the USS Vicksburg (CG 69), assumed the position as Top Snipe for 6 months and took the role as the Leading Chief Electrician's Mates, where later in 2019, advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. He then transferred to ATG Norfolk 3M Team, where he was selected for Command Senior Chief. His first command as a Command Senior Chief is the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4). During his tour onboard he was selected for Master Chief. He currently checked onboard the USS Mahan (DDG72) January 2025.
Master Chief Balla has earned his Enlisted Warfare Specialists and Aviation Warfare Specialists Warfare designations.
His decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Six awards), and various unit and campaign awards.