Command Master Chief Michael L. Westgate Command Master Chief, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 More Details 230522-N-DD111-1003 230522-N-DD111-1003 SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: 230522-N-DD111-1003 VIRIN: 230522-N-DD111-1003 Master Chief Westgate, a native of Woodbridge, VA, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November of 1998, and attended basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. Following completion of recruit training, he attended Aviation Structural Mechanic “A” school in Pensacola, FL. Upon graduation, he reported to NAS Oceana AIMD SEAOPDET in Virginia Beach, VA during which he deployed in 2000 aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in the FIFTH Fleet Area of Responsibility and in 2002 aboard the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. His subsequent fleet assignments include the HM-14 “Vanguard” at Naval Station Norfolk, VA from 2007 to 2011 deploying aboard the USS PELELIU (LHA 5) in 2007 and to Pohang, Republic of Korea in 2008 and 2010. The VAW-115 “Liberty Bells” at NAF Atsugi, Japan deploying in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in the SEVENTH Fleet Area of Responsibility. The VAQ-137 “Rooks” at NAS Whidbey Island, WA from January 2015 to September 2017 deploying aboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. As the Command Master Chief of VAQ-136 “The Gauntlets” from July 2020 to May 2023, deploying in 2021 aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in the THIRD Fleet and SEVENTH Fleet area of responsibility. His shore duty assignments include CSFWL DET AIMD from November 2003 to January 2007, and Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, IL from November 2017 to July 2020. During his tour at RTC he trained two recruit divisions as a Recruit Division Commander (RDC), served as Department LCPO, and was selected for advancement to Master Chief Petty Officer and acceptance into the Command Master Chief program. He reported as the Command Master Chief of Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE (CVW-9) in May 2023. Master Chief Westgate is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 201), Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course (Class 214), is designated as a Master Training Specialist, and is entitled to wear the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist insignias. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), as well as other personal, unit and service awards.