Master Chief Welch enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1982. He completed Recruit and Seaman Apprenticeship Training courses at Naval Training Center, Orlando, Florida and graduated from the Cryptologic Technician (Communications) “A” School at Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida.

Master Chief Welch’s previous sea duty assignments include USS HAROLD J. ELLISON as an undesignated Seaman (OCT 82 – JAN 83), Commander, SEVENTH Fleet Staff as Special Intelligence (SI) Communications Watch Supervisor (NOV 83 – DEC 85), Naval Communications Station, Rota, Spain as an Airborne Direct Support SI Communications Operator (MAR 86 – APR 89), Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Guam as the Direct Support Leading Chief Petty Officer and SI Communications Chief (DEC 92 – JAN 95), Commander, THIRD Fleet Staff as the Fleet SI Communications Officer (MAR 95 – APR 98), and the Command Master Chief for Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SIX (AUG 04 – FEB 08) following graduation from the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 111 – Blue) and the CMC/COB training course.

His shore tours include Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida as a CTO “A” School Instructor and Training Department Company Commander (JUN 89 – NOV 92), Naval Security Group Activity San Diego, California as the Operations/Direct Support Department Leading Chief Petty Officer (APR 98 – OCT 00), Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, London, United Kingdom as the Navy Theater SI Communications Officer (OCT 00 – FEB 04), and Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Command Master Chief (MAR 08 – JUN 10).

Master Chief Welch assumed the duties as the first Command Master Chief for U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. TENTH Fleet in June 2010.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), and various other personal, unit and campaign ribbons.

Updated: 16 December 2010