Command Master Chief Kirby. C. Lee

Command Master Chief, Patrol Squadron (VP) 9

03 November 2020 Master Chief Lee, a native of Bassfield, MS, enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1994. 

Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL he reported to the Airman A​​pprenticeship School, also in Great Lakes. Upon graduation he reported to Fighter Squadron VF-101 Det, located at Naval Air Station Miramar, CA. Upon disestablishment of VF-101 Det Miramar, he reported to Aviation Machinist Mate (AD) “A” school located in Millington, TN. 

After graduation, he was designated as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate and reported to VAW-113 located at NAS Miramar, where he made multiple deployments on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and conducted a​ squadron homeport change to NAS Point Mugu, CA. In addition, Master Chief Lee completed a joint service tour with the United States Marine Corps at HMT-303 located at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, CA from 2000 to 2003. 

In 2004, he volunteered for flight duty as a P-3 Flight Engineer. Upon completion of Naval Aircrew Candidate School and P-3 Flight Engineer School, he reported for duty to Patrol Squadron VP-1 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. His other flying assignments include Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-2, and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1, also at NAS Whidbey Island. He has logged over 5,500 flight hours completing missions in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, ODYSSEY DAWN, and UNIFIED PROTECTOR. 

Master Chief Lee holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and Command Master Chief Course. He is qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (AW) and Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist (NAWS). 

He was selected for the Command Senior Chief program in February 2016 and reported to Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, CA in July 2016. In October 2018 he reported to his current duty station as Command Master Chief Patrol Squadron NINE (VP-9). Master Chief Lee’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, five Air Medals (Strike/Flight), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), the NATO Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.