CMDCM Benjamin Cruz
Command Master Chief, Destroyer Squadron FIVE ZERO
01 October 2025
Master Chief Benjamin Cruz, a native of Chicago, Illinois, enlisted in the United States Navy in December of 2000. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to Naval Training Center Great Lakes where he completed Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) “A” School training.
Upon graduation, he reported for duty onboard the USS SAMUEL ELLIOT MORRISON (FFG 13) homeported in Mayport, Florida and designated as an Engineering Department Maintenance Man. His fleet assignments include the USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), USS OBANNON (DD 987), USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99), Training School Command Great Lakes Illinois, USS GETTYSBURG (CG 64), USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6), and VX-23 Naval Test Wing Atlantic Patuxent River, Maryland.
Master Chief Cruz most recently served as the Command Master Chief onboard the Mighty warship USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50) from June 2022 to January 2025 leading his team through an eight month deployment in the 5th Fleet AOR where his crew made history by being the only LSD to ever shoot down an enemy drone while transiting hostile waters. Additionally, Master Chief Cruz is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 201 and has earned his Enlisted Aviation, Surface Warfare, and Master Training Specialist designations.
Master Chief Cruz is currently serving as the Command Master Chief of Commander Destroyer Squadron 50 in NAVCENT 5th Fleet AOR where he and his team oversee command and control of three LCS assets, six Coast Guard FRC’s, and every independently steaming DDG and Cruiser within the 5th Fleet AOR.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (11 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.