Command Master Chief
A native of Melber, KY Command Master Chief Apperson joined the Navy in 1985 following graduation from Lowes High School. After attending Recruit Training in Great Lakes he was assigned to Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT and completed Basic Enlisted Submarine School and Underwater Fire Control Technician Guns “A” School. Following graduation from Advanced Underwater Fire Control Training in San Diego, CA he reported to his first submarine, USS SHARK (SSN 591) operating out of Groton, CT where he served as the Fire Control Division Leading Petty Officer.
Following this first sea tour he completed a tour as an Instructor of Submarine Tactical Readiness at naval Submarine School and was selected for First Class Petty Officer. His next assignment was onboard the USS MONTPELIER (SSN 765) where he served as the FTLPO, 1st LT, and was selected to Chief Petty Officer. His next shore assignment was at SIMA, Norfolk where he established the Submarine Combat Systems Repair Shop and was selected to Senior Chief Petty Officer.
Following the tour at the Regional Repair Facility he was then assigned to the USS BOISE (SSN 764) as the Combat Systems Leading Chief Petty Officer and completed a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following this assignment he was selected to serve as the Staff Fire Control Chief Petty Officer for Commander, Submarine Squadron Six in Norfolk, VA and qualified for the Chief of the Boat program.
After completing the Naval Senior Enlisted Academy and the COB/CMC Course in Newport, RI he reported to USS JACKSONVILLE (SSN 699) as the Chief of the Boat during the final stages of an extended refueling overhaul. Upon successful completion of sea trails, a very productive North Atlantic Deployment, and home port change to Pearl Harbor, HI he was then assigned as the Staff Command Master Chief for the Submarine Force Commander in Norfolk, VA and selected to the Command Master Chief Program.
Master Chief Apperson currently serves as the VFA-81 CMC stationed in Oceana, resides in Carrsville, VA and is married to the former Paula Kay Townley. They have three children: FS2 Lauren Fanning, USCG serving in Pearl Harbor, HI; AR Jeffrey Fanning, USN serving in Pensacola, FL ; and Michael C. Apperson who resides in Kentucky.
Master Chief Apperson is a graduate of Oklahoma University with a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership, and is entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Medal (1 award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (4 awards), and various campaign medals/ribbons.