Command Master Chief Jacob Shafer is a native of Wauseon, Ohio. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and reported to basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.  Following basic training, he attended Fire Controlman “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois and Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) “C” School in Dam Neck, Virginia. He is a graduate of the Command Master Chief (CMC)/Chief of the Boat (COB) Course Class 134 and Senior Enlisted Academy Class 165. 
 
Shafer’s sea tours include USS Russell (DDG 59); USS Benfold (DDG 65) as over the horizon targeting supervisor; USS Montgomery (LCS 8) as command senior chief / CMC; USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) as CMC; and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) as CMC. 
 
Ashore, he served as an instructor at CIWS “C” School in Dam Neck, Virginia; selected for an individual augmentee in support of the U.S. Army’s Charlie, Battery 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery of the 82nd Airborne Division in Balad, Iraq conducting the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar mission; as a faculty advisor at the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy; and as a facilitator for the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center's CMC/COB and Command Leadership courses. 
 
He reported to Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) as command master chief in May 2025.
 
Shafer earned his Master Training Specialist qualification.  His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and various unit commendations and service campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 30 May 2025