CMDCM (EXW/SW) John Lees
Command Master Chief, MCAST Command
John Lees, a native of East Islip, N.Y., graduated from East Islip High School in 1984 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1984. He completed recruit training at Recruit Training Command, San Diego, and continued onto Radioman "A" school, graduating in January 1985. Master Chief Lees returned to San Diego in June 1989 to complete Communications Technician "C" school.
Lees' sea duties consist of: the USS Biddle (CG-34); USS Saipan (LHA-4); USS Stump (DD-978); Special Boat Unit Twenty Four; Naval Special Warfare Group Two; and Riverine Squadron Two. During his career he has completed a total of seven deployments; deploying to Iraq, the Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and Mediterranean Sea with port visits in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
Ashore, Lees was stationed at Fleet Information Warfare Center, Norfolk, VA, NCTAMSLANT Norfolk, VA, and NCTAMSMED Naples, Italy.
Upon graduating from the Senior Enlisted Academy and Command Master Chief Course in March 2008, Lees received orders as the Command Master Chief of Riverine Squadron Two. In May 2012, Lees reported to his present assignment at Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command, Virginia Beach, Va., as the Command Master Chief.
Personal awards include: the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, along with various unit and service awards. Master Chief Lees is qualified as an Expeditionary Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist.