Command Master Chief Kenneth J. Nixon is a native of Berlin, Germany, and enlisted in the Navy in December 1992. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command Orlando, Florida, he reported to Naval Technical Training Center Meridian, Mississippi, completing Yeoman “A” School and later Yeoman “C” School.
Nixon has served in a myriad of sea duty assignments, including USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Sea Control Squadron (VS) 41, and Commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 5. He is the recipient of the 1994 USS Dubuque (LPD 8) Junior Sailor of the Year, the 1994 Commander, Amphibious Group ONE Junior Sailor of the Year, and the 2001 Commander, Amphibious Squadron FIVE Sailor of the Year.
His staff duty assignments include Assistant Director for Congressional Matters for the 73rd Secretary of the Navy, Commander, Naval District Washington, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee for the 56th Presidential Inauguration, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, Commander, Navy Medicine National Capital Area and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and Operations, Plans, and Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5B). In 2013, he was promoted to Master Chief, and in 2014, he served in his final staff duty assignment as Senior Enlisted Leader for Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. In 2017, he reported to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Carolina and served as Command Master Chief, during which the command was recognized with the Recruiting Bronze “R” award. In 2021, he reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 as Command Master Chief. During his tenure, the command received the 2021 Maintenance “Golden Wrench Award,” being praised as “Best in the Fleet.”
He is a distinguished honor graduate for exceptional military excellence from the U.S. Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy and a graduate of the CMC/Chief of the Boat/CSC Course Class 168. He holds a Master's degree from American Military University (Honor Graduate), a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, and an Associate's degree from American Military University (Honor Graduate).
Nixon’s warfare qualifications include Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist. His personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal (one award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (one award), Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (seven awards), Navy “E” Ribbon (one), Good Conduct Medal (ten awards), National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (one award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (one award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (one award), Humanitarian Service Medal (one award), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (three awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (five awards), Navy and Marine Overseas Service Ribbon (three awards), Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon (one award), Navy Expert Rifle Medal Ribbon (Bronze “S”) (one award), and various unit and campaign awards.
He assumed the duties as Command Master Chief of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on June 6, 2024.
Last Updated: 10 June 2024