Master Chief Erkenbrack was born on June 7, 1975 in Honolulu, HI and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. He enlisted and entered RTC Great Lakes January 10, 1994, where he was meritoriously promoted to E-3. He attended Aviation Electronics Technician “A” School in NATTC Millington, TN.

In May 1995, he reported to Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) in Barbers Point, HI. While onboard, he completed multiple deployments to include combat flights in support of the Kosovo Campaign. He was handpicked to the Bureau of Naval Personnel Sea Duty Component (BUPERS SDC) Dallas, TX, in September 1999. During this tour, he was meritoriously promoted to AT1

In 2003, he reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Seven (VQ-7) for E-6B In-Flight Technician training. Upon reporting, he was selected to Chief Petty Officer and donned his anchors on September 16, 2003. He then reported to the “Shadows” of VQ-4 in June 2004, where he served as the Line Division and NATOPS/Training Department LCPO and was a “Plankowner” of TF-124 FWD, flying combat missions in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

In July 2007, he transferred to Strategic Communications Wing ONE. From 2007 through 2008, he deployed as an Individual Augmentee (IA) to the Multi-National Corps of Iraq Joint Airborne Battle Staff out of Balad. During this tour, he was promoted to Senior Chief and served as the Lead Mission Commander evaluator flying combat command and control missions on the C-130. Upon his return, he served as the N4 Department Leading Chief, TF124 Maintenance Master Chief and Assistant Maintenance Officer. He was converted to AWVCS in October of 2008. In July 2011, he joined the “Ironmen” of VQ-3, where he served as the Task Force Senior Enlisted Aircrewman, Operations Department Leading Chief and Aircrew Readiness Manager.

Master Chief then reported to USSTRATCOM in September 2014 as the J3 Combat Operations SEL and Navy Element CMDCM, serving as the Senior Enlisted Navy Advisor to the 4-Star CCDR, 24 GO/FO’s, and 4,374 joint forces throughout USSTRATCOM in support of 18 Task Force/Components and 184K Combatant Forces. He was selected to AWCM and donned his MCPO Anchors on April 29, 2016. In August 2017, he established and executed the first Aircrew Master Chief Billet at TG 114.2 and VQ-4. Upon completion, he reported to TACAMO Fleet Replacement Squadron, VQ-7, where he is currently the first Aircrew Master Chief to be assigned and serve as the “Roughnecks” CMC.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (10 Strike/Flight Awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (five awards), Good Conduct Medal (eight awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (two awards) and various service, unit, and campaign.

Last Updated: 17 April 2024