CMDCM JERRY L. GONZALES
Command Master Chief, USS RICHARD M. MCCOOL JR. (LPD 29)
04 December 2024
Command Master Chief Petty Officer, Jerry L. Gonzales, a native of Fredericksburg, Texas, he began his military career in 2000, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Greatlakes Il. he reported to his first command aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Qualification. He rose through the ranks serving aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), USS Ross (DDG 71), USS Forest Sherman (DDG 98), USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). In 2016 he was promoted to Senior chief and completed Senior Enlisted Academy Class 220 in 2019. In 2020 he was selected to serve as a Command Senior Chief. In June 2021 through April 2023 he served as the CSEL onboard USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) Blue Crew.
His shore assignments include Recruit Training Command for Recruit Division Commander (RDC) duty. On February 9, 2009, he graduated RDC “C” School where he pushed five Divisions comprised of 440 recruits, earning the Distinguished Leadership Award, Master Training Specialist, RDC of the Quarter and hand selected to be Battle Stations-21 Leading Petty Officer. On October 29, 2019 he reported to Afloat Training Group Norfolk as the 3M LCPO/Assessor/Instructor and qualified Afloat Training Specialist and completed CMC/COB course in September, 2020 while serving as the Command Senior Chief.
He assumed the duties as the Command Master Chief onboard USS Richard M. McCool (LPD 29) on April 10, 2023.
His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards) and Presidential Unit Citation as well as various unit and campaign awards.