CMDCM Stephan E. Smith
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF, USS BAINBRIDGE (DDG 96)
26 June 2024
Command Master Chief Smith, a native of Chicago, Illinois, graduated from Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in June 2000, and enlisted in the United States Navy on August 10, 2000, completing basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois on October 13th, 2000. Upon graduation he reported to the Navy Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C. where he was a member of the casket bearer team and rifle platoon, performing ceremonies in the D.C. Area.
In October of 2002, Command Master Chief Smith transferred to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas where he completed Mess Management Specialist “A” School. Upon completion of “A” school he reported to the USS Austin (LPD 4) where he deployed twice to the 5th Fleet AOR in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After decommissioning the USS Austin in 2006 he reported to the USS George Washington (CVN 72) in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 2008, Command Master Chief Smith volunteered for a GSA (Global Support Assignment) to a PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team) in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In October, 2009 he reported to Navy Recruiting District Chicago. Earning Rookie Recruiter of the Year, Nuclear Field Recruiter of the Year and nine gold wreaths.
In December 2012 Command Master Chief Smith transferred to the USS Tortuga (LSD 46) conducting a hull swap onto the USS Ashland (LSD 48) homeported in Sasebo, Japan. On board Ashland, Command Master Chief Smith was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, and transferred to the USS Bataan (LHD 5) as the Leading Culinary Specialist in Norfolk, Virginia. In 2017 he was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. In January 2018, Command Master Chief Smith attended Recruit Division Commander “C” School at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon graduation, he reported to the United States Naval Academy as the 3rd Company Senior Enlisted Leader, and the 1st Battalion Leading Chief Petty Officer. In 2021 Command Master Chief Smith reported to the USS Benfold (DDG 65), in Yokosuka, Japan and was later selected for the Command Senior Enlisted Leader Program. In June of 2023 he reported onboard USS Little Rock LCS-9 completing a 4
th Fleet deployment and decommissioning.
Command Master Chief Smith is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader aboard USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) Norfolk, Virginia. Command Master Chief Smith is a Distinguished graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (class 229 Khaki), winner of the Chief Peter Tomich Award, and a graduate of the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course. He has been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (ten awards), and various campaign and service medals.