Master Chief Robert Leon Barber Jr. is third generation military and a native of Sylvester, Georgia. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and reported for basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois in December 1995.

Master Chief Barber completed Aviation Electronics Technician “A” school located in Millington, Tennessee in September of 1996, before reporting to his first command, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In July 1998, he reported to his first Sea Duty assignment at EA-6B Van Operational Detachment (VANOPDET) Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington. While assigned to VANOPDET, he deployed to Saudi Arabia, Germany and Turkey. His subsequent sea duty and overseas assignments include: Sea Control Squadron 32 (VS-32) deploying twice aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), Patrol Reconnaissance Squadron Four Seven (VP-47), where he deployed to Italy, Africa and Iceland, and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).

Throughout his career, he completed deployments in the Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Fleet areas of responsibilities, and participated in Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Dynamic Force Employment.

His shore duty assignments include two tours at Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida.

In 2016, he was selected as a Command Master Chief. In May of 2017, he reported to the Fighting Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron Two-One-One (VFA-211) in Oceana, Virginia, where he served as the Command Master Chief from May 2017 to November 2019. Following that assignment he reported to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic in Oceana, Virginia where he served as the Wing Command Master Chief from November 2019 to January 2022.

Master Chief Barber assumed the duties of Command Master Chief USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) February 11, 2022.

Master Chief Barber is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 192) Command Master Chief Capstone Course (Class 170), Enlisted Leadership Symposium (Norfolk) and a Keystone Fellow (Class 21-1).

Master Chief Barber’s personal awards include the Enlisted Aviation Warfare, Enlisted Surface Warfare and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist; Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards) and various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 28 February 2022