CMDCM (SW/AW) Gregg L. Snaza
Command Master Chief Snaza was born and raised in Aberdeen, SD and educated in the Catholic school system. He entered the Navy in August 1982 through the Delayed Entry Program and in July 1983, he attended boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL and attended the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN where he completed Journalist "A" and "C" schools.
Snaza's first assignment was with the Navy Broadcasting Service in Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, from August 1984 to October 1987.
His next assignment was aboard USS WISCONSIN (BB 64) where he served as a Plankowner of the Recommissioning Crew, was the 1989 Sailor of the Year, was advanced to First Class Petty Officer and earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist designation.
In June 1990, Snaza transferred to the Navy Public Affairs Center, Norfolk, and deployed aboard USS JOSEPHUS DANIELS (CG 27) during UNITAS XXXI. Following the deployment, Snaza was immediately re-deployed to Operation Desert Storm. During that tour, Snaza attended the Navy's Advanced Photojournalism Course at the Rochester Institute of Technology; the DoD Graduate-level Course in Communication at Oklahoma University; and was advanced to Chief Petty Officer.
In November 1992, Snaza became the Deputy Public Affairs Officer on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, where he served until September 1993, when he transferred to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73).
Aboard the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, Snaza made the highly publicized maiden deployment, serving as the host ship for the opening ceremonies of the 50th anniversary of D-Day.
In October 1995, Snaza left active duty to join a family remodeling business. During the five-year absence from active duty, Snaza served in a variety of Naval Reserve billets, including Command Senior Chief of Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, St. Paul, MN. Snaza earned national recognition in 1997 and 1998 after his family company, Kitchen Tune-Up was named the number one kitchen remodeling franchise in the United States.
In March 2000, Snaza relinquished his interest in his family's company and returned to active duty. His first assignment was to the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet where he served as the Submarine Centennial PAO.
Snaza reported aboard USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) in October 2000 where he served as Public Affairs Officer and Operations Dept LCPO. Snaza completed two deployments aboard KEARSARGE, including a surge combat deployment in January 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this tour, Snaza earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification.
In November 2003, Snaza reported to U.S. Fleet Forces Command where he served as the Fleet Journalist and the Fleet Master Chief's Public Affairs Officer. During this tour, he was advanced to Master Chief, and also served a six-month Individual Augmentation (IA) assignment as the Operations Chief and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Strategic Effects Chief, Communications Director, Multi-National Force - Iraq in Baghdad. Snaza was selected for the Command Master Chief program during this tour.
In April 2007, Snaza assumed duties as USS ROSS (DDG 71) Command Master Chief, leading the guided missile destroyer to an "excellent" INSURV score in FY 07 and an extremely successful deployment to 6th and 5th Fleet AORs in 2008. ROSS also won the Retention Excellence Award (Golden Anchor) and proudly flew the Enlisted Surface Warfare Excellence Pennant.
In March 2009, Snaza assumed duties as Command Master Chief of the world's largest naval station. Snaza's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (four awards); Army Achievement Medal; and various other personal and unit awards. Snaza is also a 2004 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy; 2007 graduate of the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course, and a 2009 graduate of the Senior Shore Station Leadership Course.