Master Chief Elmstead, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 2004. After boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School and Machinist Mate "A" and "C" Schools at Naval Submarine School, Groton, Connecticut

Upon graduation, he reported to his first duty as a machinist's mate aboard USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737) Gold in Bangor, Washington from July 2005 to January 2011 where he completed 8 strategic deterrent patrols.  He reported to USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727) Gold in Bangor, Washington from September 2014 to January 2019 where he served as auxiliary division Leading Petty Officer and Leading Chief Petty Officer. There he completed 3 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployments as well as the Enlisted Women in Submarines (EWIS) conversion. He served as Chief of The Boat (COB) aboard USS NEWPORT NEWS (SSN 750), in Groton, Connecticut from October 2021 to September 2024. During his tour he completed 2 U.S. European Command (EUCOM) deployments. His crew received the Commander Submarine Squadron 12 Battle "E" Efficiency award for 2022 to recognize their high standards of performance in the commands mission areas as well as a Navy Unit Commendation award.

Master Chief Elmstead’s shore assignments included service as a Recruit Division Command at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes Illinois from July 2011 to July 2014 where he trained 8 divisions and served as RDC “C” School’s Leading Petty Officer. He served as the Submarine Fire Fighting Trainer Leading Chief Petty Officer at Naval Submarine School, Groton, Connecticut from February 2019 to July 2019 and as Department Master Chief at Basic Enlisted Submarine School, from September 2019 to September 2021.

He reported as Command Master Chief, Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE FOUR, ‘GARUDAS’ in October 2024. His academic achievements include the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course and Chief of the Boat (COB)/Command Master Chief (CMC) Capstone course.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit and campaign awards. He authorized to wear the Recruit Division Commander Distinguished Leadership Award.