A native of Yona, Guam, Senior Chief Petty Officer Cruz embarked on his naval career in November 2002. Upon completion of recruit basic training, he attended Airman Apprenticeship School at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. His first assignment was aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), homeported in San Diego, California. From 2003 to 2007 he completed two deployments to the 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Operation, advanced to Petty Officer Second Class, and earned Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualifications.
Senior Chief Cruz then transitioned to his first shore duty at Navy Munitions Command Detachment Yokosuka, Annex Misawa, Japan, where his performance was recognized with his selection as NMC East Asia Division Junior Sailor of the Year. Next, returning to an operational role with Maritime Security Squadron 7 (MSRON 7) on Naval Base Guam, he assumed Weapons Department Leading Petty Officer and Ammunition Database Administrator positions, advanced to First Class Petty Officer, and earned his Expeditionary Warfare (EXW) qualification.
He continued his service with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE (NMCB 1) in Gulfport, Mississippi, from 2012 to 2015. This tour was marked by his selection to Chief Petty Officer and the successful completion of two deployments to the 6th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility where he earned his Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) qualification. Following a screening for special programs, Senior Chief Cruz was assigned as an Officer Recruiter for Navy Recruiting District (NRD) New Orleans from 2015 to 2018. His superior performance in this critical role led to his selection as the District’s Officer Recruiter of the Year for two consecutive years, 2016 and 2017. Additionally, he furthered his professional military education by graduating from the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 209) in November 2017.
Upon completing MK 45 Mod 4 “C” school, he reported to USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) in August 2018, helming the duties of Weapons Department and Combat Systems Gunnery Leading Chief Petty Officer. In October 2021, he commenced his third overseas tour at NMCPAC EAD Unit Guam, where he filled a vital billet as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader. Moreover, at this assignment, his leadership and expertise were recognized with his advancement to Senior Chief in May 2022. He was subsequently reassigned in December 2022 to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for NMCPAC EAD Unit Yokosuka where he led 110 Sailors and directed a $2.6B weapons portfolio for INDO-PACOM. Senior Chief Cruz was then assigned as the Maintenance and Material Management (3-M) Coordinator for NMCB 1 in Gulfport, Mississippi.
He assumed his current role as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at Naval Support Activity Panama City in June 2026.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6th), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6th), and numerous unit and campaign awards.
Senior Chief Cruz then transitioned to his first shore duty at Navy Munitions Command Detachment Yokosuka, Annex Misawa, Japan, where his performance was recognized with his selection as NMC East Asia Division Junior Sailor of the Year. Next, returning to an operational role with Maritime Security Squadron 7 (MSRON 7) on Naval Base Guam, he assumed Weapons Department Leading Petty Officer and Ammunition Database Administrator positions, advanced to First Class Petty Officer, and earned his Expeditionary Warfare (EXW) qualification.
He continued his service with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE (NMCB 1) in Gulfport, Mississippi, from 2012 to 2015. This tour was marked by his selection to Chief Petty Officer and the successful completion of two deployments to the 6th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility where he earned his Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) qualification. Following a screening for special programs, Senior Chief Cruz was assigned as an Officer Recruiter for Navy Recruiting District (NRD) New Orleans from 2015 to 2018. His superior performance in this critical role led to his selection as the District’s Officer Recruiter of the Year for two consecutive years, 2016 and 2017. Additionally, he furthered his professional military education by graduating from the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 209) in November 2017.
Upon completing MK 45 Mod 4 “C” school, he reported to USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) in August 2018, helming the duties of Weapons Department and Combat Systems Gunnery Leading Chief Petty Officer. In October 2021, he commenced his third overseas tour at NMCPAC EAD Unit Guam, where he filled a vital billet as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader. Moreover, at this assignment, his leadership and expertise were recognized with his advancement to Senior Chief in May 2022. He was subsequently reassigned in December 2022 to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for NMCPAC EAD Unit Yokosuka where he led 110 Sailors and directed a $2.6B weapons portfolio for INDO-PACOM. Senior Chief Cruz was then assigned as the Maintenance and Material Management (3-M) Coordinator for NMCB 1 in Gulfport, Mississippi.
He assumed his current role as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at Naval Support Activity Panama City in June 2026.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6th), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6th), and numerous unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 25 June 2026