Command Master Chief James C. Magee
Command Master Chief, USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28)
29 July 2022
Command Master Chief Magee is a native of Gulfport, MS and enlisted into the United States Navy in 1995. He is a graduate from the Recruit Training Command and Airman Apprenticeship Training School located in Great Lakes, IL.
He then reported to the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in Mayport, FL from April 1995 to April 1999. While assigned as a Flight Deck Aircraft Director, he executed his first deployment in 1997 and advanced from an undesignated Airman Recruit to an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Petty Officer Third Class.
His follow-on tour was Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, FL from May 1999 to June 2002. In June 2000, he advanced to Petty Officer Second Class.
He then reported to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in Norfolk, VA from July 2002 to July 2007. In June 2004, he advanced to Petty Officer First Class. While assigned as the V-3 Leading Petty Officer, he completed two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to include providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the Gulf Coast in support of Joint Task Force Katrina.
His follow-on tour was Naval Aviation Technical Training Center in Pensacola, FL from August 2007 to September 2010. In September 2007, he was inducted into the CPO Mess as a Chief. While assigned as the Aircraft Shipboard Firefighting Team Trainer LCPO, he earned his Master Training Specialist in August 2008.
He then reported to the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in Norfolk, VA from October 2010 to October 2014. In July 2011, he advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. While there, he served as the V-3, V-1, and V-5 LCPO completing two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation NEW DAWN.
His follow-on tour was USS Bataan (LHD 5) in Norfolk, VA from November 2014 to May 2016. He served as the V-3 LCPO. In February 2016, he was selected into the Command Senior Chief Program.
He then reported as the Command Senior Chief to the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in Norfolk, VA from May 2016 to January 2018. In August 2017, he advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer. He completed a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief deployment to Puerto Rico in support of Hurricane Maria.
He then reported as the Command Master Chief to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eleven in Norfolk, VA in January 2018. While there, he has executed the Navy’s first Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) combat deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Master Chief Magee has an Associate’s degree from Excelsior College. He is also a graduate from the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 178), CMC/COB Course (Class 157).
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (one gold star); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold stars); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four gold stars); Good Conduct Medal (one silver star); National Defense Service Medal (one bronze star); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.