CMDCM ALEX “AJ” LAPERA
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF, USS FORREST SHERMAN (DDG 98)
08 August 2024
Command Master Chief Lapera, a native of Hilo, Hawaii, enlisted in the United States Navy in June 2002. Following graduation from basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he then reported to Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, and Illinois where he completed Mess Specialist “A” School.
In December 2002, he reported his first duty station the USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) in Yokosuka, Japan where he completed four deployments in the 7th Fleet AOR in support of NATO operations. In December 2006, he then reported to Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and completed a four year tour at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor.
In 2009, he was subject to a PTS rate conversion to the DC rating. In September 2010, he reported back to Naval Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois to attend Damage Controlman “A” School. After completion of his training he reported to the USS SIMPSON (FFG-56). In August 2011 while onboard the USS SIMPSON, he was selected to complete an “IA” tour in Afghanistan doing Detainee Operations on camp Sabalu-Harrison on Bagram Airfield. After a successful tour overseas he returned back home in September 2012. He then completed two AFRICOM Deployments in 2014 and 2015. In September 2015, he advanced to the ranks of Chief Petty Officer and later Decommissioned the USS SIMPSON, being the last Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate to be decommissioned. In November 2015, he reported to Navy Operational Support Center Tucson, assuming the duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader. In January 2018 he reported onboard USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20) as the Repair division LCPO and further down the road had the opportunity to fill the role of Engineering DLCPO “Top Snipe”. In May 2021, he reported to CNRFC to assume the role as the N7 Senior Enlisted Leader. He was the acting Command Master Chief for Navy Reserve Center Norfolk. Additionally while at CNRFC he was temporarily assigned to fill a gapped SEL billet at Navy Reserve Center Rochester (2023) and Navy Reserve Center Norfolk (2024). He graduated from Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 235) and CMC/COB course (Class 269).
He currently is serving as the Command Master Chief on board USS FORREST SHERMAN (DDG 98).
Master Chief Lapera’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Army Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards) and various unit and campaign awards.