Master Chief Peña, a native of Spofford, Texas, enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1995. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to Service School Command, Great Lakes, Illinois where he completed 
Gunners Mate “A” school. Upon graduation, he reported for duty to the USS PLATTE (AO 186); were he qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. His additional sea duty assignments include the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), USS NORMANDY (CG 60), Special Boat Team TWELVE, and Naval Special Warfare Group ONE LOGSU.
 
In addition, Master Chief Peña completed shore assignments at Training Support Center Great Lakes, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, and Coastal Riverine Group One Training and Evaluation Unit. His Command Master Chief tours include VAW-113 in Point Mugu. Additionally, he led Carrier Air Wing TWO through COMPTUEX and the Air Wing of the Future 2021 Deployment embarked onboard the USS CARL VINSON, HSC-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific and the USS NIMITZ CVN-68 to include the Final Deployment in 2025. Master Chief Peña reported to the USS CARL VINSON CVN-70 as America’s Favorite Command Master Chief on 1 December 2025.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 210, the Command Master 
Chief/Chief of the Boat course Class 120, and the Advanced Command Master Chief course Class 
002. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Joint Service 
Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Army 
Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), and various unit and campaign awards. He has earned and is authorized to wear the Enlisted Aviation, 
Expeditionary, Information, Surface Warfare, Afloat Training, and Master Training Specialist insignias.
 

Last Updated: 19 December 2025