Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

CMDCM (SW/FMF) Christopher D. Kotz Command Master Chief - Blue Leadership

USS Freedom Blue and Gold Leadership Commanding Officer - Blue Leadership CDR Thien Executive Officer - Blue Leadership CDR Heinken Command Master Chief - Blue Leadership CMDCM (SW/FMF) Kotz Commanding Officer - Gold Leadership CDR Wilke Executive Officer - Gold Leadership CDR Jarrett Command Master Chief - Gold Leadership CMDCS Jablecki

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Command Master Chief Kotz hails from North Augusta, South Carolina, and enlisted in the United States Navy in February, 1991. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, San Diego, California, he attended Basic Hospital Corps School, Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego.

He has served at sea in USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), USS SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON (FFG 13), USS STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29), and has a combat tour with Task Force Military Police, 1st Battalion, 14th Marines (Reinforced) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His shore tours include Navy Reserve Center, Tyler, Texas, Branch Medical Clinic Fort Worth, Texas, Navy Reserve Readiness Command South, and Inspector-Instructor, Company F(-), 2d Battalion, 23d Marines and most recently as Senior Medical Department Representative at Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE.

He is a graduate from the Surface Force Independent Duty Corps School, United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 140, Command Leadership School, Class 95, and has earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University.

His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 gold stars), and various unit and campaign awards.