CMDCM Mario R. Romero Command Master Chief
Master Chief Mario Romero was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in the near-by city of Santa Fe Springs. Enlisting under the delayed entry program in February 1984, he completed Basic Training and Gunner’s Mate “A” School at Great Lakes, Illinois with follow-on training at Fleet Training Center, San Diego, California.
Master Chief Romero’s first assignment was onboard the USS PETERSON (DD 969). Quickly advancing to Second Class Petty Officer, he qualified as a Landing Signalman, earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare designation, and served as a Leading Petty Officer.
In 1989, he transferred to the USS CHANCELLORSVILLE’s (CG 62) pre-commissioning unit and advanced to First Class Petty Officer. While onboard CHANCELLORSVILLE, he deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. His next duty station was to Fleet Training Center, San Diego, California where he instructed 76mm and 5-inch gun systems and qualified as a Master Training Specialist. In 1992, he advanced to Chief Petty Officer.
Master Chief Romero’s next assignment was to the pre-commissioning unit for the USS STETHEM (DDG 63). Advancing to Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1996, he served as Combat Systems’ Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer. His follow-on tour was at COMNAVSURFPAC as the tomahawk land attack missile logistical manager.
Reporting to the USS JARRETT (FFG 33) in 2001, he qualified as a Combat Information Center Watch Officer and a Command Duty Officer. He also served as a small arms instructor and an Assistant Boarding Officer. In 2004, he advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer and transferred to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center Detachment Naples, Italy, as the Fifth and Sixth Fleet technical representative for naval gun systems.
In 2006, he was selected for the Command Master Chief (CMC) Program. His CMC tours include the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron 136 and the Fleet Angels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two. Master Chief Romero reported in December of 2011 as the sixth Command Master Chief for the USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7).
Command Master Chief Romero’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various campaign and service awards. He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 129) and holds an Associate of Science degree from Excelsior College.