A native of Bethalto, Illinois, Master Chief Locklear graduated high school in 1986 and holds an Associates Degree in Management. He received recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Florida beginning in February 1987. Upon graduation from boot camp, he reported to Electricians Mate “A” School in Orlando, Florida.
Following entry level training, he reported to Amphibious Assault Ship USS SAIPAN (LHA-2), Norfolk, Virginia in September 1988. While there, he earned Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and was promoted through the ranks to Petty Officer First Class. Upon completion of his first enlistment in February 1993, he transferred to USS GRAPPLE (ARS-53), Little Creek, Virginia. Onboard GRAPPLE, he was Electrical Division LPO and earned his first qualification as Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW).
In May of 1995, he transferred to Service School Command, Great Lakes, Illinois for instructor duty. There he advanced to Chief Petty Officer. After a tour training at Surface Ships Electrical Advanced Maintenance Course (SSEAMC) or “C7”, he received orders back to sea duty. In June 1999, he transferred to USS RUSSELL (DDG-59), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as the Electrical Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. While onboard, he earned his second EOOW qualification. After transferring from RUSSELL in December 2002, he reported to USS HOPPER (DDG-70), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as 3M Coordinator. He advanced to Senior Chief shortly after reporting to HOPPER.
In November 2004, he transferred to NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND, Millington, Tennessee as the Lead Electricians Mate Detailer. During his tour in Millington he advanced to Master Chief, assumed the role as PERS-402 LCPO and subsequently selected for the Command Master Chief program. He detached NPC in June 2008 to attend the Senior Enlisted Academy and the Command Master Chief Course prior to serving as Command Master Chief onboard USS PORTER (DDG-78), Norfolk, Virginia from September 2008 to July 2011.
He is currently serving as Command Master Chief at HELICOPTER SEA COMBAT SQUADRON SEVEN (HSC-7), Norfolk, Virginia. Master Chief Locklear's personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (three), Navy Achievement Medal (six), Good Conduct Medal (seven), Expert Rifle Medal, and the Expert Pistol Medal, as well as various unit and campaign awards.