Master Chief Joseph A. Morales is from Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from high school in 1994 and enlisted in the Navy in August 1998.

He attended recruit training and Signalman ‘A’ School in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion, he attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training and did not complete the training. Following a year tour on USNS SAN JOSE, he returned to BUD/S, successfully completing training and graduating with class 236 in 2001.

His first assignment was to SEAL Team SEVEN completing three deployments to the PACOM and CENTCOM theaters during a six-year assignment (2002-2008). 

He then transferred to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command from 2008–2011. In Second Phase, he served as the department Leading Petty Officer and Leading Chief Petty Officer in charge of Open and Closed-circuit Diving.

In March 2011, he was assigned to Special Reconnaissance Team ONE (SRT-1) where he successfully completed four deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, as well as his Platoon Chief and Troop Chief milestone positions.

In February 2016, he was assigned to SRT-1 shore duty detachment as the Training Department Senior Enlisted Advisor and was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer. Upon completing his Shore duty tour, he was assigned as the SRT-1 Operations Department Master Chief and the following year he fleeted up to be the SRT-1 Command Master Chief.  

In November 2021, he transferred to Naval Special Warfare Command (WARCOM) and assumed the role of WARCOM Command Master Chief.  A year and half later, he was selected to be the next Deputy Force Master Chief.

He assumed the role of NLEAD Command Master Chief in September 2024.

Master Chief Morales is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy and the Navy’s CMC COB course. His personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon, and numerous unit and campaign awards. 

Master Chief Morales is married and has one child. He enjoys taking hikes, mountain biking, backpacking and participating in Scouting.

Last Updated: 17 June 2026