Damage Controlman Master Chief Cristian Bolaños, a native of Buga, Valle, Colombia, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 2007. He completed Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Basic Engineering Common Core and Damage Controlman “A” School. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from American Military University and is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 225, Gold Group. 

At sea, Master Chief Bolaños served aboard USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Charleston (LCS 18) Gold Crew, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). His operational tours span multiple platforms and warfare areas, contributing to major fleet operations and deployments throughout his career.

Ashore, his assignments include Afloat Training Group San Diego (ATGSD), where he advanced fleet readiness through shipboard training and certification, and the Chaplain’s Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO), Marine Corps Installation West, where he provided mentorship, resiliency training, and support to service members and their families.

Master Chief Bolaños currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Navy Service Support Advanced Training Command at Dam Neck Annex, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.

Last Updated: 18 November 2025