USS Sterett
Forever Dauntless
Command Master Chief 
   
CMDCM(SW) Christopher R.  Benavides
Command Master Chief
A native of Hondo, Texas, Master Chief enlisted Navy in December 1989 and attended boot camp at Recruit Training Command San Diego, California. Upon completion, he attended Damage Control "A" school at Naval Technical Training Center Treasure Island, and transferred to his first sea command, USS CLIFTON SPRAGUE (FFG 16) home-ported at Naval Station Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June of 1990.

Serving aboard in CLIFTON SPRAGUE from 1990 to 1993, Benavides, completed several deployments to the Caribbean in support of Maritime Interdiction Operations. He rose to the rank of Second Class Petty Officer. After completing this successful tour, he transferred to Naval Reserve Center Corpus Christi, Texas.

Upon completion of a 24 month tour, he transferred to Fleet Training Center, Norfolk, Virginia. He was assigned to the Farrier Fire Fighting School and subsequently qualified as General Shipboard, and Shipboard Aircraft fire fighting Instructor. He was hand selected along with two other Sailors, to teach at the Fire fighting school in Toulon France.

This enabled Forward Deployed Naval Ships to maintain Fire fighting qualifications while remaining forward deployed.

Returning back to sea, Master Chief Benavides reported aboard USS LA MOURE COUNTY (LST 1194), home-ported at Little Creek Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Virginia, between March 1998 and December 2000, USS LAMORE COUNTY completed two UNITAS deployments.

In January 2001, he reported to Naval Reserve Center, Adelphi, MD. In February 2003, Master Chief Benavides reported to USS RODNEY M DAVIS (FFG 60), and shortly thereafter deployed to the Arabian Gulf as part of NIMITZ Strike Group supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.

While at Navy Personnel Command PERS 4012, Enlisted FTS Detailing, he volunteered for a 6 month Individual Augmentee tour in Iraq. Master Chief completed a 12 month tour at NOSC Willow Grove. He was selected into the CMC program in 2009 and attended the CMC/COB course in September 2009. Upon completion of the CMC/COB course, Master Chief reported to NOSC Fort Dix.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (six awards), and various other unit and service awards.
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