Master Chief Christopher Smith, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, enlisted in the United States Navy in April of 2007. He graduated basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois, and then reported to Naval Submarine School for Basic Enlisted Submarine School, completing initial submarine training, with follow on training at Torpedoman “A” School in Groton, Connecticut.

In January 2008, Smith reported for sea duty on board USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729) homeported in Kings Bay, Georgia. While onboard GEORGIA, he completed four United States European Command/United States Central Command deployments and qualified as Chief of the Watch, Duty Chief, and Diving Officer of the Watch.

In January 2013, Smith reported to the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, as the Torpedoman “A” and “C” Schools Leading Petty Officer. During this tour he earned the coveted Master Training Specialist Qualification and that of Command Duty Officer.

Smith then reported to USS JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23) homeported in Bangor, Washington, in April 2015, where he served as the Torpedo Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. While there he completed three Undersea Research and Development periods where he stood Diving Officer of the Watch and earned the Deep Submergence warfare insignia. In 2016, he assumed the role of Weapons Department Enlisted Advisor.

In April 2019, Smith reported to Commander, Submarine Squadron ELEVEN in Point Loma, California, as the Immediate Supervisor in Charge (ISIC) Torpedoman. During this tour he completed one Western Pacific deployment onboard USS SCRANTON (SSN 756) as the Torpedo Division Leading Petty Officer and the Command Maintenance and Material Management (3M) Coordinator. In 2021, he was selected for promotion to Senior Chief Petty Officer.

Feeling the need to return to Washington, Smith returned to USS JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23) homeported in Bangor, Washington, and served as the Command 3M Coordinator. This tour included two Undersea Research and Development underway periods where he stood Diving Officer of the Watch. In 2022, he qualified for, and was selected to participate in, the Chief of the Boat program.

In April 2023, Smith reported to USS LOUISIANA (SSBN 743)(BLUE) as the Chief of the Boat. During this tour he participated in one Demonstration and Shakedown Operation and two strategic deterrent patrols. In April 2024, he was selected for promotion to Master Chief Petty Officer and in March 2025, he was selected for the Command Master Chief program.

In May 2025, Master Chief Smith assumed the duties as the Command Master Chief for TRIDENT Training Facility, Bangor, Washington. Here he is responsible for Tactical, Navigation, Engineering, and Strategic Weapons training to 23 Pacific Northwest submarine crews, two aircraft carriers, and a remote learning site for Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems in the Pacific Fleet.

Master Chief Smith is authorized to wear the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (four awards), the Presidential Unit Citation (two awards), and various unit and campaign citations.

Master Chief Smith resides in Port Orchard, Washington, with his wife, Kerry, and their four daughters; Sophia, Harper, Emma, and Taylor.

 

Last Updated: 10 September 2025