CMDMC Richard Curtis Jr.

Command Master Chief Richard G. Curtis Jr. (U.S. Navy Fleet Reserves) was born in Newport, Rhode Island. After graduating from Lake Howell High School in Winter Park, Florida, in 1990, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Upon completion of boot camp, he attended his trade school in Dam Neck, Virginia, where he met and married the former Kimberly Taylor.

His first assignment was as missile technician onboard USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630 G), homeported in Charleston, South Carolina.

In 1993, he converted to submarine radioman. CMDMC Curtis went on to be stationed as an submarine radioman onboard the PCU Maine (SSBN 741 G), USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735)(G), USS Maine (SSBN 741) [both Blue and Gold crews], USS Maryland (SSBN 738 G), and finishing his submarine career as the chief of the boat onboard USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740 G).  

During his submarine career, he completed 20 strategic deterrent patrols and completed a sea tour as an emergency action controller in Naples, Italy, under the command of Commander Submarine Group 8.  

While stationed in Naples he earned an associates degree in general studies from the University of Maryland University College.

In 2007, he completed a tour as the assistant communications officer at Commander Submarine Squadron 20 in Kings Bay, Georgia,

In 2009, CMDMC Curtis  earned his bachelor’s degree in adult education from Valdosta State University in Georgia, graduating Summa Cum Laude.  

CMDMC Curtis had a major life-changing event in May 2011, when he underwent successful brain surgery for the removal of a 3- centimeter benign tumor.

After rehabilitation from surgery CMDMC Curtis continued his Naval career as a command master chief at an F-18 squadron VFA-136 Knighthawks where he embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for her final combat deployment.

In 2013, his career focus became focused on leadership and leadership development when he was selected as the lead facilitator of the Fleet CPO Training Team, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Then in 2015, he was selected to be the 18th director of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, Rhode Island, where he served in the capacity of a traditional higher education dean, working directly for the president of the U.S. Naval War College. In 2016, he earned his master's degree in strategic leadership from the University of Charleston, West Virginia. In 2018, he transferred to the U.S. Navy Fleet Reserves after 28 faithful years.

In 2019, CMDMC Curtis  earned his doctorate in executive leadership from the University of Charleston, West Virginia, graduating with honors.  

CMDMC Curtis and his wife now live in Roanoke, Virginia, to be near their sons Zachery and Isaac and their families.

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