USS Essex
Command Master Chief (May 2012 - Present) 
   
CMDCM Gary Mendus
Command Master Chief
Master Chief Gary Mendus is a native of Meridian, Mississippi. After graduating from Bay Senior High School, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi he entered the United States Navy and began basic training in San Diego, California in August 1987.

Following basic training he completed HM "A" school at Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego, California. He reported to his first ship, USS MCCANDLESS (FF-1084), home ported in Norfolk, Virginia. During his tour there, he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and was command advanced to HM2. His subsequent sea assignments include: USS PONCE (LPD-15), which also deployed twice. CMDCM Mendus then went to HM "C" School, Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman (SFIDC) and was command advanced to HM1. He then went to USS HAYLER (DD-997), home ported in Norfolk, Virginia as the SFIDC, where he was Sailor of the year and advanced to chief petty officer in 1999. He then reported to USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47) home ported in Pascagoula, Mississippi as the SFIDC and the navigation and administrations leading chief petty officer. In 2002, he was advanced to senior chief petty officer. While onboard he completed two, six month deployments to South America. Upon completion of that tour, he next went to the USS COMSTOCK (LSD-45) as the SFIDC and medical leading chief petty officer and completed two deployments to the Arabian Gulf.

Shore assignments include: Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida as an EMT instructor and Commander Surface Forces as the technical advisor to the force surgeon. He was promoted to the rank of master chief in 2005 during his tenure with Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG3) where he served as the senior enlisted leader for medical and acting command master chief.

Master Chief Mendus is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and Keystone Course and reported aboard USS CAPE ST GEORGE (CG-71) as command master chief in January 2008 until January 2010. Next he reported as Naval Base San Diego's command master chief in January 2010 until March 2012.

Master Chief Mendus' personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (one silver star), Good Conduct Medal (one silver star), National Defense Medal (one bronze star), as well as other campaign and service awards.
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