Command Master Chief Joseph James was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Newberg High School in Newberg, Oregon where he graduated in 1997. He arrived at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois for Navy Basic Training on July 1997. Upon completion of basic training, he attended Aviation Ordnanceman “A” School in Pensacola, Florida from September 1997 to November 1997.
His first assignment was aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in Everett, Washington, where he served in Weapons Department G-1 and G-4, completing three successful 5th and 7th Fleet deployments. He then reported to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, where he served as a motor and railcar inspector for ammunition movements.
Master Chief James returned to USS Abraham Lincoln for two additional deployments and subsequently served at Navy Personnel Command (PERS-4013) in Millington, Tennessee, as a Placement Coordinator and Rating Specialist. Follow-on orders brought him to VQ-3 (STRATCOM Wing ONE) in Oklahoma City, where he served as Line Chief Petty Officer. He later reported to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) for a Mediterranean and 7th Fleet deployment.
Following a successful tour at Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific (COMNAVAIRPAC), he was selected for the Command Master Chief Program. He served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for VAW-116, completing two productive 4th and 7th Fleet deployments.
Command Master Chief James is qualified as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist. He is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course. His personal awards include the Navy Meritorious Service Commendation (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards) and numerous campaign, unit, and service awards.
Command Master Chief James is currently serving as the Command Master Chief of 2d Medical Battalion, 2d Marine Logistics Group, headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.