Command Master Chief

CMDCS(SW/IW) Karl A. Critides
Command Senior Chief

CMDCS Critides hails from Connecticut. After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy in August 2001 and attended boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of boot camp, he attended Operations Specialist "A" School at Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic in Virginia Beach, VA.

In 2002, he reported onboard USS De Wert (FFG 45) where he immediately deployed to the EUCOM AOR in support of Operation Active Endeavor and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2004 and 2006 he completed deployments SOUTHCOM AOR. Onboard De Wert he was promoted to Petty Officer Third and Second Class.

In 2006, after cross-rating to CTR, he reported to Navy Information Operations Command Ft. Meade, MD. Here he worked the AQUADOR mission and was responsible for time sensitive positional reporting on high interest merchant vessels. While onboard, he promoted to Petty Officer First Class.

In 2009, he reported onboard USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). As Leading Petty Officer, his team was responsible for the Navy’s initial deployment of SSEE Increment F cryptologic system. In 2011, he deployed to the CENTCOM AOR in support of Operations New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Counter Piracy Operations. As a result of his Sailors and USS Bulkeley’s outstanding success he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.

In 2012, he reported onboard USS San Jacinto (CG 56). As Leading Chief Petty Officer, he led his team through a 2013-2014 extended deployment to the CENTCOM AOR. His significant qualifications onboard were Surface Warfare Coordinator and Anti-terrorism Tactical Watch Officer.

In 2015, he reported to Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command and immediately promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his tour he led 80 Sailors as the N2 Dept. LCPO and 300 Sailors as N3 Dept. LCPO.

Senior Chief Critides selected for the Command Senior Enlisted Leader program in February of 2018, and is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 214 and Command Master Chief/ Chief of the Boat Course Class 195. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various other unit and campaign awards.

He assumed duties as Command Senior Chief onboard USS Gladiator (MCM 11) in February 2019.

Navy.mil | Navy.com | Navy FOIA | DoD Accessibility/Section 508 | No Fear Act | Open Government | Plain Writing Act USA.gov | Veterans Crisis Line | VA Vet Center | FVAP | DoD Safe Helpline | Navy SAPR | NCIS Tips | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Contact Us | 988 Helpline

Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic | 1751 Morris Street | Norfolk, Virginia 23511-2808

Official U.S. Navy Website