A native of Managua, Nicaragua, Master Chief Lopez enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1986 under the SAMS program. Upon completion of Recruit Training Command in San Diego, CA he attended Basic “A” HM School, San Diego, CA. After graduation, he reported to his reserve unit in Portsmouth, VA. He became an active duty component after being recalled to Portsmouth Naval Hospital during Operation Desert Storm, in Dec 1991 he reported for duty to 2d Marine Division after completion of Field Medical Specialist School in Camp Johnson, NC. After successfully completing his tour of duty, in 1995 he transferred to Portsmouth Naval Hospital, in 1999 he reported to 2d MARDIV for a second tour.
His sea assignments include , 2nd Marine Division where he served at 2d BN, 8th Marines, SPMAGTF UNITAS, ; Headquarters BN, 2d Recon BN, 2d Force Recon, 26 MEU (x2), 2d Regiment HQ, Camp Lejeune, NC. During his tenure in 2d Marine Division, he served as acting CMC from Apr 2009 to Mar 2010. In Mar 2010 he was assigned as the Navy SEL for 26 MEU. In 2012 he reported for overseas duty to NH Guam. In Apr 2015 he reported for duty as the Command Master Chief to 2D MED BN, 2D MLG, Camp Lejeune, NC.
His deployments include Haiti, Panama, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (x2, 2001 and 2010) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM as the Recon element and as the Navy SEL on his second deployment with the MEU, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan. HMCM Lopez most recent deployment was to Kandahar, Afghanistan as the Command Mater Chief for MMU ROLE 3 COMBAT HOSPITAL in 2013 and return to NH Guam in Oct 2014.
His shore assignments include Naval Hospital Portsmouth (x2); NH Camp Lejeune, NC. His overseas assignments include NH GUAM.
Master Chief Lopez attended Tidewater Community college, VA; Miami Dade Community college, FL.
Master Chief Lopez’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (1st award), Joint Service Commendation Medal (1st award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th award), and various other unit and campaign awards.