Master Chief Petty Officer Jason DeGraaf, a Fair Haven, Vermont native, graduated from Great Lakes RTC in 1999.  He attended Mess Management “A” school in San Antonio, Texas and Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) in Groton Connecticut.  

His operational assignments include, USS HONOLULU (SSN 718), where he completed U.S Navy Dive School, three Western Pacific Deployments in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and an Artic Expedition; USS BARRY (DDG 52), completing one Mediterranean Deployment in support of operation ODYSSEY DAWN; USS SHOUP (DDG 86), completing one 10-month Western Pacific Deployment; COMSEVENTH Fleet Staff permanently embarked on USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19).; and most recently VAQ-136 where he completed two Western Pacific deployments to include support of Operation Rough Rider. 

Ashore, he has served as an Enlisted Aide to Commander Submarine Pacific Fleet, Vice President of the United States the Honorable Richard B. Cheney and Joseph R. Biden, Senior Enlisted Aide to the Director of Naval Reactors and Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John M. Richardson, and Senior Enlisted Aide to the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck.

Master Chief is a 2005 graduate of Starkey International Institute for Estate Management, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality (with Honors) from American Military University.  He is a Senior Enlisted Academy Alumni (Class 198 Gold) and a graduate of the United States Navy Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course (Class 23110). Additionally, he is a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and United States Naval Academy, Stockdale Associate Fellowship Program graduate.  

Master Chief has been a part of teams that have earned The Battle Efficiency Award (3), National Unit Citation (2), Meritorious Unit Citation (3) the CNO Naval Aviation Safety Award and the Combat Action Ribbon. 

Last Updated: 26 September 2025