Master Chief James N. Stuart II is a Native of Strawn, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Navy July 1, 1986, and attended Recruit Training in San Diego, Calif.  Upon completion of Recruit Training, he reported aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) for his first duty station. In May 1990, he transferred to Naval Air Station, Kingsville, Texas.

He transferred to USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in October 1992 via the Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System Storekeeper “C” School in San Diego. Subsequently, Master Chief Stuart transferred to Naval Technical Training Unit, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss. He was selected for Chief Petty Officer in 1998.

After his tour at Keesler AFB, Master Chief Stuart checked aboard the USS GRASP (ARS 51) stationed in Little Creek, Va. During his tour aboard GRASP, he deployed twice to the Mediterranean Sea. He served as the Leading Storekeeper and Senior Enlisted Advisor until December 2003. Upon completion of his shore tour on the Staff of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Va., he reported aboard USS BATAAN in December 2006. He was promoted to Master Chief in April 2007. During his tour aboard USS BATAAN (LHD 5), he deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and served as Command Master Chief from July 2008 to January 2009.  From April 2009 to December 2009, he served as Command Master Chief in USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79).  From December 2009 until January 2012 he served as Command Master Chief in USS James E. Williams (DDG 95).

Master Chief Stuart assumed his current role as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Five (HS-5) Command Master Chief in February 2012.

Master Chief Stuart’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) and various other personal and unit awards.

Master Chief Stuart is a 2004 graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, RI, and a 2009 graduate of the Command Master Chief Capstone course in Newport. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College in March 2008. He currently resides in Newport News, Virginia with his wife Syndi.