Master Chief Priess is a native of Minot, North Dakota. He enlisted in the United States Navy in August 2002 as a Submarine Electronics Technician. Upon completion of Recruit Training, he attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School and “A” school in Groton, CT and was accelerated advanced to Petty Officer 3rd Class.

In May of 2004 he reported to the USS HAMPTON (SSN 767) in Norfolk, VA and completed an 18-month Depot Modernization Period and a Western Pacific Deployment followed by a Change of Homeport to San Diego, CA. He transferred to Commander Submarine Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, HI to the Information Systems division. He was selected to Chief Petty Officer in September 2010.

After transferring to the USS GREENEVILLE (SSN 772) he completed 2 Western Pacific deployments as the Radio Division LCPO and NAV/OPS Department Chief and advanced to Senior Chief in 2013. In July 2015 he transferred back to Commander Submarine Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet as the N2/N6 Senior Enlisted Advisor. During his tour he attended the Senior Enlisted Academy and completed his Chief of the boat qualifications.

He attended the CMC/COB Course and in February 2019 he relieved as the Chief of the boat onboard the USS COLUMBIA (SSN 771) in Pearl Harbor, HI. He transferred to Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific in August 2023. He relieved as the Command Master Chief in October 2024.

He has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement medal (seven awards) and various other personal and unit awards.

Last Updated: 20 May 2025