Master Chief Zentz graduated in 1984 from New Smyrna Beach High School, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter. His military education includes Torpedoman’s Mate “A” School in Orlando, Florida, and Diver Second Class, Diver First Class, and Master Diver courses in Panama City, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on Finance from San Diego State University in 1994. He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 146) and Command Leadership Course. He is qualified as a master diver and designated a specialist in expeditionary and surface warfare. 

His past assignments include MK-48 Intermediate Maintenance Activity, San Diego, California; USS Gridley (CG 21), San Diego; Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, Det. 619, San Diego; MDSU 2, Det. 708, Mayport, Florida; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 8, Sigonella, Italy; USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), LaMaddelana, Italy; MDSU 1, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia; Naval Special Warfare Group 3 Det. Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Naval Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee. His last tour was as command master chief of Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City. 

Zentz is currently serving as the command master chief of Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving. 

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various other campaign and service awards.

Last Updated: 29 October 2020