CMDCM(SW) Thomas L. Perkins, Jr.
Master Chief Perkins, a native of North Carolina, enlisted in the United States Navy, 27 Dec 1985. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to NTTC, Meridian, Mississippi where he completed Aviation Storekeeper (AK) “A” school. Upon graduation, he reported for duty onboard PCU THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in Newport News, Virginia. He was part of the commissioning crew and advanced to Petty Officer Third Class. He was honorably discharged 11 Oct 1988.
In May 1994 he enlisted in the Naval Reserves as a Petty Officer Third Class Storekeeper (SK) with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB-24) stationed in Charlotte, North Carolina. During this time he advanced to Petty Officer Second Class.
On 19 Mar 2001 he reenlisted to active duty. His first assignment back to the fleet was onboard USS STUMP (DD-978) where he was part of the decommissioning crew in October 2004 and advanced to Petty Officer First Class. He reported to Naval Technical Training Center, Lackland, TX in October 2004 and completed Master At Arms (MA) “A” school. After completion of MA “A” school, he completed two tours in Japan, NAF Misawa and CFA Okinawa and advanced to Chief Petty Officer. He then reported to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), was assigned to the Defense Attaché Office (DAO) at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, and was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. He served as the Security Department Head, Naval Support Activity Lakehurst, NJ and Navy Liaison to the USAF 87th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. He was selected for Command Senior Chief in February 2016. In May, 2017 reported to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two for training, advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer in August 2017 and served as Command Master Chief, USS SIOUX CITY (LCS-11) Gold Crew from January 2018-January 2020. Master Chief Perkins reported for duty as Command Master Chief, USS MASON DDG 87, January 2020.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Business Management from Trident University, graduated U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 190 (Gray Group) and CMC/COB course.
Decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and various unit and campaign awards.