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Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 “Sidewinders”

Command Master Chief Joseph J. Montenero

Command Master Chief, Strike Fighter Squadron 86

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VIRIN: 230802-N-MC554-0000
Joseph J. Montenero is a native of Sonora, California and raised in Northern California.  Upon graduating from Manteca High School in 1996, he enlisted in the Navy on September 23, 1996.  His first duty assignment was the USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan.
 
After spending three years onboard Mobile Bay, he struck into the Damage Controlman (DC) rating and was advanced to DC3.  He then completed a hull swap and was stationed onboard the USS Cowpens (CG 63).  During this tour, he was promoted to DC2 with almost four years in the Navy and also qualified as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Engineering Duty Officer.  In September of 2002, he transferred to the USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) making the rank of DC1 while enroute.
 
While onboard the USS Paul Hamilton, he completed a 10-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf where he participated in “shock and awe”, qualified as Afloat Training Specialist, and Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW).  In September of 2005, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.  Shortly after being promoted, he transferred to his first shore duty command, Afloat Training Group (ATG) Middle Pacific.  During his tour he served as a Damage Control Assessor and Team Leader, also earned his Associates Degree in Applied Trades Fire Science.  In December of 2008, Chief Petty Officer Montenero reported to USS Hopper (DDG 70) as Repair Division Leading Chief Petty Officer.  During his tenure, he qualified as EOOW and finalized his tour as Engineering Department LCPO.  In December of 2012, Chief Montenero transferred back to Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, where this time he filled the role as the Damage Control Training LCPO, and served as the Command Disaster Preparedness Officer.  While at ATG, he qualified as Engineering Assessor Pacific the first Damage Controlman to earn this qualification.  In 2013 he made the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer, and attended the Senior Enlisted Academy.  After almost 20 years of service Senior Chief Montenero transferred to San Diego and started his first tour in CONUS onboard the USS San Diego (LPD 22) in October of 2016, where he filled the role as Repair Division Leading Chief Petty Officer, Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, and the Ships Maintenance and Material Officer.  In February of 2018, he was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program.  Upon completion of the COB/CMC course, he reported to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake where he served as the Command Senior Chief of the installation until January 2021.  While there, he promoted to Command Master Chief.
 
After completing a successful tour a NASL, he reported to the Knighthawks Strike Fighter Squadron ONE THREE SIX (VFA-136), where he completed a successful work-up cycle and 6th Fleet deployment onboard the USS George H.W. Bush. CMDCM Montenero departed VFA -136 in May of 2023, and reported to his current duty station Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY SIX (VFA-86)  the Sidewinders.
 
Command Master Chief Montenero has completed 8 deployments.  His personal awards include Admiral Carhart Damage Control Safety Award, Meritorious Service Medal         (two awards) Navy Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy Achievement Medal (one award), Good Conduct Medal (seven awards) and various other campaign and unit awards.
 

Leaders

Commander Nathan Staples

Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86

Commander Patrick Lakusta

Executive Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86

Command Master Chief Joseph J. Montenero

Command Master Chief, Strike Fighter Squadron 86


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