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Command Master Chief Rafael Suareztorres

Master Chief Suareztorres is a native of Queens, New York, enlisted in the United States Navy in October 1997. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command Great lakes, Illinois he reported to Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois where he completed apprenticeship training.
 
Upon graduation, he reported to his first duty with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-134) ONE THREE FOUR, Whidbey Island, Washington and designated as an Aviation Machinist Mate, deployed to OPERATION NORTHERN WATCH, OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, and Operation ALLIED FORCE supporting peace keeping efforts in Bosnia, and Kosovo. In January 2006, he reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-131) ONE THREE ONE, , deploying onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) in 2006 and 2008 in support of operation ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2008, he reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-141) ONE FOUR ONE, deploying onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in 2008 and selected for Chief Petty Officer in 2010. In 2011, he reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-137) ONE THREE SEVEN, deploying onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in support of operation ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM,
as well as counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. In 2014, he reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-140) ONE FOUR ZERO, deploying onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of operations INHERENT RESOLVE and selected to Senior Chief Petty Officer.

His shore duty assignments included Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL-40) FOUR ZERO, Mayport, Florida, Fleet Readiness Center West, Lemoore, California, Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, Lemoore California, and Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in New Orleans, LA, as the Senior Enlisted Advisor.

Command Master Chief Suarez is currently serving as CMC of the VAQ-134 Garudas in October 2021.  He holds an Associates Degree in General Studies from Columbia College and FAA mechanic License with airframes and powerplants certificate (A&P license). Additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 222 Grey), and the CMC/COB course (Class 19090/200).

He earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare, Surface Warfare, and Information Warfare designations. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (7 awards), and various service awards and ribbons.
 

Last Updated: 25 January 2023


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