CMDCS Fernando S. Balla
Command Senior Chief, USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) Gold Crew
05 March 2024
Senior Chief Balla is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He entered the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program (DEP) 1999 and reported to RTC Great Lakes, Illinois in December 1999. After graduating boot camp, he completed Mechanical Core, Electrical Core and Electrician’s Mate “A” school and reported to his first duty station to the pre-com unit and commissioning of the USS IWO JIMA (LHD- 7) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. During his tour, he received his Enlisted Surface Warfare and Aviation Warfare device and advanced into ranks as a Second Class Petty Officer. In 2004 he transferred back to Great Lakes, Illinois to attend EM “C” School, SSEAMC and upon completion he reported onboard the USS MITSCHER (DDG-57). In 2007, he transferred to his first shore command to the Mid Atlantic Regional Calibration Center (MARCC Lab) and advanced to First Class Petty Officer. In 2010, he transferred to the USS MONTEREY (CG-61) where he advanced to Chief Petty Officer. He then transferred in 2015 and prior to transfer to his next command he attended instructor school in Dam neck, VA and Top snipe school in Norfolk, Va. He reported to his second shore command, Afloat Training Group Norfolk (ATG) and achieved his Afloat Training Specialist and Master Training Specialist Certification. In 2018 prior to transferring to the USS Vicksburg (CG 69), he attended the revamp course of EM SSEAMC and then reported onboard Vicksburg. While onboard, in 2020 he was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. In 2023, he then transferred to ATG Norfolk 3M Team, where he was selected for Command Senior Chief Program.
He has served in diverse sea duty assignments, (Plank Owner) USS Iwo Jim (LHD-7) Norfolk VA; USS Mitscher (DDG-57) Norfolk VA; USS Monterey (CG-61) Norfolk VA; USS Vicksburg (CG-69) Norfolk VA; USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) Norfolk VA. Senior Chief Balla completed 3 shore assignments at Mid Atlantic Regional Calibration Center (MARCC Lab), Afloat Training Group Norfolk as a Team Leader for Gas Turbine Shop, and Afloat Training Group Norfolk 3M Team as a Team Leader.
He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 243 (Gold) and CMC/COB course, class (23080).
His personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Six awards), and various unit and campaign and service medals. He obtained his Enlisted Surface Warfare, Aviation Warfare, and Master Training Specialist designations for every platform and numerous unit and campaign awards.