Command Master Chief Hernandez is a native of Robstown, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and reported to Great Lakes for basic training. Hernandez reported to the USS Peleliu (LHA-5). During Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, he supported operations as the Gun Liaison Officer, duty armorer, and qualified Enlisted Surface and Enlisted Air Warfare. In August 2005 he completed Navy “A” School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas to become a Master at Arms. From September 2005 to October 2008 Hernandez served onboard Naval Air Facility El Centro, California. In November 2008 Hernandez reported to Maritime Security Squadron Three – Detachment Bahrain and served as a Tactical Supervisor responsible for a 12 person embarked security team, and the force protection of critical USNS assets in support of Operation Vigilant Mariner. He qualified as an Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist. In 2009 he reported to Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa Harbor Patrol Unit and served as the Security Departmental LPO and Harbor Patrol Training Supervisor. In 2012 he was selected to the rank of CPO. While ashore in 2013 Hernandez reported to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes as a Recruit Division Commander and led 9 divisions comprised of 88-100 recruits. He earned his Master Training Specialist designation and was awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award. He was then promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. Hernandez completed Protective Services Training at U.S. Army base Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in June 2016. In August 2016, he was assigned to NCIS Protective Service Detachment Naples, Italy where he served as the team’s Senior Enlisted Leader. In October 2017, Hernandez was assigned to COMUSNAVEUR/NAVAF as SEL and assistant Personal Security Advisor in support of COMUSNAVEUR operations in Europe/Africa. In September 2019 Hernandez was assigned as the Command Senior Chief for Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae, South Korea. He led the instillation during the COVID-19 pandemic and supported the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance. Hernandez is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 211 Gray). In October 2020 he was assigned to NSF Deveselu, Romania as the Command Senior Chief in support of the ballistic missile defense mission for the COMUSNAVEUR AOR. In 2021 he was assigned as the Command Senior Chief for Virginia Military Institute NROTC. He holds an Associate’s degree with American Military University and is currently working on a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5), Navy Good Conduct Medal (6), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, and various meritorious unit decorations