Command Master Chief Kotz is a native of 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), LCS Crew 101 in USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) and USS FORT WORTH (LCS 3), 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 (formerly REDCOM 11), Inspector-Instructor, Company F(-), 2d Battalion, 23d Marines, and 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 (6 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.
He is currently the Command Master Chief of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana.