Command Master Chief Joseph Ward is a native of Camp Springs, MD and enlisted in the Navy on 6 November 1996. He completed Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Basic Enlisted Submarine School and STS “A” at Naval Submarine School Groton, CT. Following initial schooling, he selected orders and reported to USS Florida (SSBN 728) (BLUE) out of Bangor, WA. While onboard, he completed four SSBN deterrent patrols, then reported to Trident Training Facility Bangor, WA for AN/BQQ-6 Maintenance “C” School and advanced SONAR employment course and advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class.
After completing ‘C’ school, he was assigned to USS Kamehameha (SSN 642), stationed out of Pearl Harbor, HI, as a SONAR Supervisor, where he completed one Western Pacific deployment, conducted countless missions in support of Special Operations forces and deactivation. He then transferred to USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) (GOLD) out of Kings Bay, GA, where he completed three SSBN deterrent patrols.
He reported to his first shore duty at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL as a Recruit Division Commander. During this tour, he successfully commanded nine recruit divisions, received the Distinguished Leadership Award, qualified Master Training Specialist, and advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class in 2004. He then reported to USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) (GOLD), where he served as the SONAR Leading Petty Officer, Torpedo Leading Petty Officer, and Command Security Manager. He completed six SSBN deterrent patrols, and then advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 2010.
His next shore tour was at Naval Submarine School Groton, CT, where he served as Advanced SONAR readiness and training Leading Chief Petty Officer. During this tour, he earned Senior Enlisted Instructor of the Year. He then reported to USS Alabama (SSBN 731) (GOLD), where he served as the SONAR Leading Chief Petty Officer and Weapons Department Enlisted Advisor. He advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2015 and Qualified Chief of the Boat in 2016.
His next shore tour was at Trident Training Facility Bangor, WA, where he served as the Senior Enlisted Tactics Instructor. He advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer in 2018. He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy class 216 and the COB/CMC course. He then reported as Chief of the Boat for USS Maine (SSBN 741) (GOLD). He completed return to service and three SSBN deterrent patrols while onboard. USS Maine (SSBN 741) (GOLD), received the 2021 Squadron 17 Battle Efficiency “E” and the 2021 COMSUBPAC Hugh McCraken Award for best CPO Quarters. He then reported as Command Master Chief of Submarine Readiness Squadron 31, and then reported as Command Master Chief of Submarine Squadron 17, where he assisted in the oversite of 14 SSBN crews totaling 2400 Sailors and officers conducting the Department of Defense #1 priority mission.
He currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander Naval Forces Korea. Command Master Chief Ward’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (7), Good Conduct Medal (6) and various campaign and service awards.
Last Updated: 13 October 2025