Command Master Chief Chris Carman, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1999. He graduated from the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 218) in 2018 and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat (Class 21130) course in 2021.
His operational assignments include tours aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), as an ASW Module Operator; Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, as an electronic warfare operator instructor and NATOPS evaluator; Fleet Support Unit (FSU) 5, as a Littoral Surveillance Radar System (LSRS) instructor; Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, as the senior aircrewman; and USS Marinette (LCS 25) as command master chief.
Ashore, he served at Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor and a Fleet Instructor Under Training (FIUT) lead; Maritime, Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School (MPRWS) as an Advanced Airborne Sensor instructor; and Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 121 as command master chief.
Carman assumed the role of command master chief for Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in October 2025.
His personal awards include the Navy Air Medal-strike/flight (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), as well as numerous unit and campaign awards. He is entitled to wear the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia and the Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist insignia.