Command Master Chief Richard C. Branam, II, a native of Bedford, Texas, graduated from L.D. Bell High School in May 2000. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 2001 and began his career as a submarine radioman. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 201/Blue) and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course. He was selected for the Command Master Chief Program in February 2021. He is a specialist in submarine warfare.He has served in a myriad of sea-duty assignments, including as a submarine radioman aboard USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716); communications division leading petty officer aboard USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), where he deployed to the Western Pacific two times; communications division leading chief petty officer, serving aboard USS Jefferson City (SSN 759); and 3-M coordinator aboard USS South Dakota (SSN 790). Most recently he served as chief of the boat for four years aboard USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) and USS Maine (SSBN 741) in Bangor, Washington.
His previous shore tours include ESM “C” School instructor, Sailorization department chief, and training support department chief at Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut.
He assumed duties as command master chief for Naval Technical Training Center Meridian, Mississippi, on Nov. 8, 2021.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), Good Conduct Medal (four awards), and various other campaign medals and unit citations.