Command Master Chief Brandon Ellison enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 25 August 1998. Upon completion of basic training, he reported to Hospital Corpsman “A" school, Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduation he reported to Field Medical Service School, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and attended Field Medical Service Technician “C" School.
His shore duty assignment was at the Naval Operational Medical Institute, Pensacola, Fl.
His operational assignments include 2d Medical Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune deploying to both Greece and Norway in support of unit exercises, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing where he deployed twice in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, an Individual Augment deployment in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM with NATO Training Mission Afghanistan and the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, 2d Marine Logistics Group, deploying with Combat Logistics Regiment 2 to RC-South West, Afghanistan in support of OEF. Additionally, he was assigned as a member of the Pre-Commissioning Crew and Plankowner of USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78).
He was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program in February of 2019 and served as the CMDCS of USS INDIANAPOLIS Gold, USS ST. LOUIS Blue and Gold Crews, commissioning USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) in August 2020. After advancing to CMDCM, he reported to USS McFAUL June of 2021 where he deployed with the GERALD R. FORD Strike Group’s maiden deployment in support of SECOND, SIXTH and FIFTH Fleets supporting combat operation in the Red Sea, OPERATIONS UNIFIED TAKEDOWN and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. Master Chief Ellison assumed responsibilities as the CMC of Naval Test Wing Atlantic in June of 2024. Supporting urgent fleet needs, NTWL and subordinate test squadrons supported research, test and development across 465 aircraft and 220 T/S/M covering every aircraft within the Navy and USMC’s inventory delivering lethal capability to deployed units within C5F, C6F, and C7F. During this time, he filled a six-month gap as the CMC of Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, providing senior enlisted counsel to several Flag/General Officers and SES civilians on a 17,000 Military and Civilian Workforce. CMDCM Ellison reported to Amphibious Squadron SIX in September 2025.
Master Chief Ellison is a graduate of Senior Enlisted Academy Class 207, Command Master Chief/COB Course 202, and Advance Command Master Chief Course 2403. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership Studies from Purdue University and is a Certified Professional in Human Resources. His warfare qualifications include Enlisted Fleet Marine Force, Surface Warfare, Aviation Warfare, Information Warfare, and he was awarded the Army’s Enlisted Aviation Badge. The teams he’s been fortunate to serve with have earned Navy’s Battle “E”, Joint Meritorious Unit, Navy Unit, Meritorious Unit Commendations, Navy Expeditionary Medal, as well as numerous other campaign and service awards. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.