Master Chief Joseph H. Riley was born and raised in Riverside County, California where he graduated from Norco High School in 1997.
He enlisted in the United States Navy on Sept. 16, 1997, and received training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Leadership Course in April 2015.
Riley’s sea duty assignments include USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Blue), USS Olympia (SSN 714), USS Hampton (SSN 767), USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Blue) and USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Gold).
He reported aboard USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Blue) in May 2015 and served as the chief of the boat until April 2018. During this time, the ship earned the 2016 Commander Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 20 Deckplate Leadership Award and the 2017 Battle Efficiency Award. In July 2018, he reported to USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Gold) serving as chief of the boat until May 2020. During his tour, USS Florida earned the 2019 COMSUBRON 16 Battle Efficiency Award.
His shore duty assignments include recruit division commander duty at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois, squadron torpedoman at Submarine Squadron 6 Norfolk, Virginia, command master chief for Commander, Submarine Squadron 16 and Trident Training Facility at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia. He reported to Naval Air Station Jacksonville as command master chief in May 2025.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards), Battle Efficiency (five awards), and the Good Conduct Medal (seven awards).
Last Updated: 2 June 2025