Command Master Chief Settles, a native of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, enlisted in the Navy in 1998.  He completed Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Quartermaster "A" School.
 
His duty assignments include USS HERON (MHC 52) and USS CHIEF, where he excelled as a Quartermaster, quickly rising through the ranks.  In 2000, he joined Assault Craft Unit ONE (ACU 1) in San Diego, serving as Craft Navigator aboard LCU 1633.  He deployed twice to the 5th Fleet AOR, attached to USS DUBUQUE, earning his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification.
 
From 2003 to 2006, Master Chief Settles served at Navy Recruiting District Phoenix, assigned to Recruiting Station Silver City, New Mexico.  His dedication led to his station being recognized as Small Station of the Year.  He then joined the pre-commissioning crew of USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) as Leading Petty Officer, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer upon the ship's commissioning.
 
Following a successful tour aboard USS GRIDLEY, Master Chief Settles was assigned to Afloat Training Group (ATG) Pacific Northwest as Topside LPO, responsible for Navigation, Seamanship, and ATTT training.  He earned his Afloat Training Specialist and Master Training Specialist qualifications while pursuing a degree in General Studies.
 
In 2013, he reported to USS RUSHMORE, where he was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer.  He served with distinction as NAV/ADMIN DLCPO, overseeing two 5th Fleet deployments, RIMPAC exercises, and an Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI).
 
His exemplary leadership led him to BUPERS 32, shaping Surface Operations training for OS, QM, BM, and MN Sailors.  Selected as Command Senior Chief, he served on LCS 17 INDIANAPOLIS and as Command Master Chief of USS CHOSIN (CG65).  He assumed the duties as the Command Master Chief of Surface Warfare Schools Command, Newport, Rhode Island, in March 2025.
 
Command Master Chief Settles personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Multiple Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Multiple Awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (Multiple Awards), Battle "E" and various unit and service awards.  He is a qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Afloat Training Specialist, and Master Training Specialist.
 

Last Updated: 2 April 2025