Command Master Chief Rafael Acevedo, a native of Queens, New York, enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1997. After graduating from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, he attended Seamanship Apprentice Training at Service School Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Following graduation, he reported to USS Bridge (AOE 10) in September 1997. In April 2005, he reported to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) in Norfolk, Virginia. Following his selection to Chief Petty Officer in 2009, he reported to USS Tempest (PC 2), where he served as First Lieutenant and Senior Enlisted Advisor until January 2015. He was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer in March 2015 and reported to the USS Wasp (LHD 1) where he served as Deck Department Leading Chief Petty Officer from January 2015 to January 2017. In March 2019, he was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program and received follow on orders to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron TWO, Mayport, Florida where he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) Crew 125 and Crew 126. Most recently, in October 2021, Master Chief Acevedo reported to VAW-125 Tigertails, Iwakuni Japan where he currently serves as the squadron’s Command Master Chief.

In 2002, he reported to his first shore duty where he served as a recruiter in Navy Recruiting District New York, New York City until March 2005. From 2009 to 2012, he served as Port Operations Leading Chief Petty Officer in Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, San Clemente Island, California. In February 2017, he served as the Lead Deck Readiness Assessor at Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic where he remained until November 2019.

Master Chief Acevedo is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 209 and the Command Master Chief course. His personal awards include the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards), and various other unit, service, and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 26 October 2023