CMDCM Karl A. Critides
Command Master Chief, USS Monterey (CG 61)
25 January 2022
CMDCM Critides hails from Connecticut. After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy in August 2001 and attended boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of boot camp, he attended Operations Specialist "A" School at Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic in Virginia Beach, VA.
In 2002, he reported onboard USS De Wert (FFG 45) where he immediately deployed to the EUCOM AOR in support of Operation Active Endeavor and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2004 and 2006 he completed deployments SOUTHCOM AOR. Onboard De Wert he was promoted to Petty Officer Third and Second Class.
In 2006, after cross-rating to CTR, he reported to Navy Information Operations Command Ft. Meade, MD. Here he worked the AQUADOR mission and was responsible for time sensitive positional reporting on high interest merchant vessels. While onboard, he promoted to Petty Officer First Class.
In 2009 he reported onboard USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). As Leading Petty Officer, his team was responsible for the Navy’s initial deployment of SSEE Increment F cryptologic system. In 2011, he deployed to the CENTCOM AOR in support of Operations New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Counter Piracy Operations. As a result of his Sailors and USS Bulkeley’s outstanding success he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.
In 2012 he reported onboard USS San Jacinto (CG 56). As Leading Chief Petty Officer, he led his team through a 2013-2014 extended deployment to the CENTCOM AOR. His significant qualifications onboard were Surface Warfare Coordinator and Anti-terrorism Tactical Watch Officer.
In 2015, he reported to Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command and immediately promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his tour he led 80 Sailors as the N2 Dept. LCPO and 300 Sailors as N3 Dept. LCPO.
Master Chief Critides selected for the Command Senior Enlisted Leader program in February of 2018, and reported onboard USS Gladiator (MCM 11) as the Command Senior Chief in February 2019. While forward deployed in Manama, Bahrain the ship completed numerous FIFTH FLEET multi-national operations to include January 2020 CF5 Contingency Operations.
Master Chief Critides is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 214 and Command Master Chief/ Chief of the Boat Course Class 195. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various other unit and campaign awards.
He completed a brief shore tour as Command Master Chief for Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes and reported onboard USS Monterey (CG 61) as the Command Master Chief in October of 2021.