CMDCM Clayton Alek-Finkelman
Command Master Chief, USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79)
25 January 2021
Command Master Chief Clayton Alek-Finkelman, a native of East Meadow, New York, reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, May 2002. He is a graduate of Gunner’s Mate Apprenticeship School, Vertical Launching System “C” School, the Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI) course, the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) Course, the Naval Special Warfare Armorer's Course, and the Senior Enlisted Academy. He graduated from Excelsior College in 2018 with an Associate in Science in Liberal Studies.
Alek-Finkelman’s sea duty assignments include: Leading Petty Officer and Work Center Supervisor aboard USS Antietam (CG 54); Riverine Combat Element Patrol Leader at Riverine Squadron 3, during which time he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Weapons Department Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) at Special Boat Team 20; J3A Operations Chief at the CENTCOM Crisis Response Team Element; and most recently, he reported as the Command Master Chief aboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), April 2019.
Ashore, Alek-Finkelman’s assignments include: 5th Company Senior Enlisted Leader and 1st Battalion LCPO at the U.S. Naval Academy, and Command Master Chief of Naval Support Facility Redzikowo, Poland.
Alek-Finkelman’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Expert Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship Medals, and numerous campaign and unit awards. He was recognized by the Gamewardens of Vietnam with the Leadership Excellence Award and awarded the Black Beret.