Master Chief Nathan Chappelle is a native of Mt. Angel, Oregon but was born in Redding, California. After graduating from Gervais Union High School, he entered boot camp in June 2001.

Chappelle’s sea duty assignments include USS Parche (SSN 683), USS Nevada (SSBN 733B), USS Albuquerque (SSN 706), and USS Hartford (SSN 768). He also completed missions onboard USS Hampton (SSN 767), USS Musten (DDG 89), USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS 23), and USNS Effective (T-AGOS 21).

He reported aboard USS Hartford (SSN 768) in August 2017 and served as Chief of the boat until February 2020. During his tour as COB, Hartford earned the COMSUBRON Twelve Battle ‘E’ and the Battenberg Cup. Hartford also participated in ICEX 2018, a EUCOM deployment in 2019, and SURGE deployed twice.

His shore duty assignments include Naval Oceanographic Anti-Submarine Warfare Center (NOAC), Yokosuka Japan and COMSUBPAC TRE Team Pearl Harbor Hawaii. As well as CMC tours at Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor and Submarine Group 2 in Norfolk, Virginia.

He is a graduate with honors of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 200), COB/CMC school, and holds a Master’s degree in Technology, Leadership, and Innovation from Purdue University.

Chappelle’s personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (six awards), and various other unit awards including the Presidential Unit Citation, two Navy Unit Commendations, and a Meritorious Unit Citation.

Last Updated: 9 October 2025