Master Chief Angelo Rappa, a native of Kimberling City, Missouri, enrolled in the Delayed Entry Program in October 1990. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1991. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, San Diego, California, he reported to Naval Air Technical Training Command, Millington, Tennessee, where he completed AMH “A” school and was designated as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics).
Upon graduation, he reported for duty with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Norfolk, Virginia. There, he made several detachments aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). In 1995, he reported to Patrol Squadron (PATRON) 30, NAS Jacksonville, Florida, as a student in the P-3 Flight Engineer program. His fleet assignments include PATRON 46, NAS Whidbey Island; PATRON 30; Special Projects Patrol Squadron 1, Brunswick, Maine; Naval Aviation Schools Command Pensacola, Florida; Special Projects Patrol Squadron 2 Kaneohe, Hawaii; and the Nashville Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), Nashville, Tennessee.
While serving as Command Senior Chief in the Nashville MEPS, he was promoted to Master Chief.
Rappa then assumed duty as the Command Master Chief aboard USS Laboon (DDG-58), home ported in Norfolk, Virginia, in October of 2016, where he conducted two short-fused deployments to the 5th and 6th Fleet AOR and conducted Tomahawk strikes on America’s enemies in Syria. He assumed the duties as Command Master Chief, TPU Norfolk in October 2019. Rappa then reported as the Command Master Chief of Naval Station Norfolk in 2021. He reported to his current assignment at Commander Navy Region Southeast Command Master Chief in April 2024.
Rappa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Excelsior College. Additionally, he is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, CMC/COB class 130 and has earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Naval Aircrewman, and Master Training Specialist designations.
His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Strike Award (8 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 3 May 2024