Command Master Chief David Stauffer, a native of Pontiac, Michigan, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2000. He graduated from the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy in 2018 and was selected as a Command Master Chief in 2019. He holds bachelor’s degrees in professional studies in leadership and management from Excelsior University.
His operational assignments include tours with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)1; as an airframe technician for Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron (HCS) 4 where he deployed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Roosevelt (CVN 71), and to Camp Anaconda, Balad Air Base, Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He completed tours with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115, where he served as maintenance control leading chief petty officer and senior enlisted Leader while deployed aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76).
Ashore, he served as training officer for Naval Air Technical Training Center; sustainment leading chief petty officer at Naval Air Systems Command; and senior enlisted leader of Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers. In 2019, he was selected to the Senior Enlisted Leader Program and transferred to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9) Det Edwards, where he was selected as a Command Master Chief.
Stauffer assumed the role of command master chief for Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in April 2023.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), along with various unit and campaign decorations. He is entitled to wear the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia and has been designated a Master Training Specialist.