Master Chief Fortner is a native of Anderson, South Carolina, and he is married with four children and one grandchild. He enlisted in the United States Navy in April 2002.  Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he completed the Naval Nuclear Power Program pipeline in Charleston, South Carolina.

In January 2004, he reported for duty to aboard USS MARYLAND (SSBN 738) Blue, in Kings Bay, Georgia as a nuclear Electrician’s Mate where he completed nine strategic deterrent patrols. In August 2012, he reported aboard USS ALASKA (SSBN 732) Blue as the Electrical Division Leading Chief Petty Officer, where he completed five strategic deterrent patrols. In September 2018, he reported aboard USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736) Gold as the Engineering Department Master Chief, where he completed four strategic deterrent patrols. 

In 2025, he was selected for the Command Master Chief Program. In December 2025, he reported as the Command Master Chief to the Fist of the Fleet, Strike Fighter Squadron TWO FIVE (VFA 25), deploying aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71).
 
His shore duty assignments include Performance Monitoring Team, Kings Bay where he was assigned as the Officer-In- Charge of Performance Monitoring Team, Diego Garcia, and Nuclear Power Training Unit, Charleston, South Carolina where he served as an instructor, as Site Staffing Monitor, and as the Staff Command Master Chief.

Master Chief Fortner is a graduate of and CAPSTONE award recipient from the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 221, Gold) and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course (Class 25140). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston, West Virginia.  He is qualified as an Enlisted Submarine Warfare (SS).  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (1 award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and numerous unit and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 16 March 2026