Command Master Chief
Master Chief John Kemp enlisted in March 2002. After completing basic training at Recruit Training Command, Chicago, Illinois, he reported to the Naval Training Center, Chicago, Illinois, where he completed Quartermaster “A” School.
His sea duty assignments include Patrol Reconnaissance Wing ONE detachment (PATRECONWING ONE) Diego Garcia designated as a TSC OPCON watch stander supporting VP-1 and VP-47 (2002-2003); the USS Vincennes (CG-49) in Yokosuka, Japan as a Quartermaster of the watch (2003-2005); the USS Boxer (LHD-4) San Diego, California as the Leading Quartermaster of the watch (2005-2008).
Other duty station assignments include NRS Weatherford as the Leading Chief Petty Officer at Naval Recruiting District Dallas, Texas (2008-2011). He converted to the Navy Career Counselor rating in May 2011. His follow-on commands as a Navy Command Career Counselor were Strike Fighter Squadron Fifteen (VFA-15) Virginia Beach, Virginia (2012-2013); Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) Virginia Beach, Virginia (2013-2015); Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Patuxent River, Maryland (2015-2019); USS WASP (LHD 1) Norfolk, Virginia (2019-2020).
His command tours include Fort Lee Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Fort Lee, Virginia (2020-2022); Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2), Fleet Angels “First and Finest,” Norfolk, Virginia (2022-2024).
In August 2024, he reported as the Command Master Chief of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth “First and Finest”!
His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management from the University of Maryland University College and an Associate in Supervision and Management from Coastline Community College. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy, Khaki group 213 (2018), the Command Master Chief course, class 21010 (2020), and the Advance Command Master Chief course, class 24120 (2024).
His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.