Master Chief James was born on April 15, 1967 in Bronx, New York. After graduating high school in 1985 he reported to recruit training in Aug 1987 in San Diego, California. He then attended DT “A” school in San Diego, CA and completed Field Medical Service School at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA.
His assignments include 1st Dental Battalion, 1st FSSG – MCB Camp Pendleton (1988-1989); 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd FSSG – MCAS Iwakuni, Japan (1989-1992); Naval Dental Center – Orlando (1992-1994); Medical Department Administration Technician “C” school – NSDAT San Diego (Jan 1995 – Jun 1995); USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42) - Sasebo, Japan (1995-1998); Naval Dental Center – Norfolk (1998-2001); USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) – Norfolk, VA (2001-2004); National Naval Medical Center – Bethesda, MD (2004-2006){while assigned, deployed as IA from Oct 2004 to Apr 2005 in support of OIF to MNSTI Health Affairs – Baghdad, Iraq}; USS NORMANDY (CG 60) - Norfolk, VA (2006-2009). Completed Senior Enlisted Academy and Command Master Chief School in June 2009. His first CMC tour was with the KNIGHTHAWKS of VFA 136 which earned the 2011 Battle “E” and was the first ever in the squadron’s history.
Master Chief James assumed duties as the Command Master Chief onboard Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on March 30, 2012.
Master Chief James personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5th award), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th award), Good Conduct Medal (5th award), and various campaign and service awards. He has earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree.