Master Chief Lance M. Connolly is a native of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1996 and reported to basic training at Recruit Training Command (RCT) in Great Lakes, Illinois.  Following basic training, he attended Advanced Electronics Technical Core School in Great Lakes, Illinois, Data Systems Technician “A” School in Pensacola, Florida, and various “C” Schools in Dam Neck, Virginia.  He holds bachelor’s degrees in both religion and homeland security.  He is a graduate of the Command Master Chief (CMC)/Chief of the Boat (COB) Course Class 18080/185, Advanced CMC/COB Course, and Senior Enlisted Academy Class 193.

Connolly’s first operational assignment included serving aboard USS Nassau (LHA 4) where he converted to the fire controlman rating.  Additionally, he served as the Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) maintenance leading chief petty officer (LCPO) for the C-RAM Unit 8/Joint Intercept Battery 2 where his unit defended multiple forward-operating bases and achieved a 100% kill rate; Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM)/Strike Cell LCPO; Visit Board Search and Seizure Boarding officer, and weapons department LCPO aboard USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51); and CMC aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66).

Ashore, he served as a TLAM/Strike Cell leading petty officer at Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet; recruit division commander (RDC) and RDC “C” School instructor at RCT; company senior enlisted leader and battalion LCPO at the U.S. Naval Academy; CMC at Coastal Riverine Squadron Four; and CMC at Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. 

Connolly reported as CMC at Surface Combat Systems Training Command Hampton Roads in July 2025.

He earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualifications.  His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Iraq Campaign Medal, Recruit Training Service Ribbon, and various unit and campaign awards. 
 

Last Updated: 25 July 2025