Command Master Chief Karen N. Thomas Command Master Chief, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 More Details 231116-N-VD554-3020.JPG 231116-N-VD554-3020.JPG SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: 231116-N-VD554-3020.JPG VIRIN: 231116-N-VD554-3020 Master Chief Thomas is a native of Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to Miami, Florida in 1989. She graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School, class of 1994. She enlisted in the Navy December 1995 and attended Basic Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. Following completion of basic training, she reported to her first command USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) in 1996 as an Undesignated Seaman advancing to Quartermaster Third Class during this tour. She has served in numerous sea duty assignments, including USS CAMDEN (AOE-2), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73), USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN-75), USS PELELIU (LHA-5), USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD-8) and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FOURTEEN. She is currently the Command Master Chief at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FOUR ONE. Ashore, Command Master Chief Thomas’ tours include Naval Brig Norfolk, VA, COMUSNAVSO/C4F Mayport, FL, and Commander U.S. THIRDFLT San Diego, CA where she served as Fleet Navigator and Staff Senior Enlisted Leader. She has completed 8 shipboard deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Western Pacific, and Arabian Gulf. Master Chief Thomas has earned her Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist designations. Command Master Chief Thomas is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 172 (Gold Group), and Command Leadership School CMC/COB Course Class 20140. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from University of Maryland Global College, and an Associate of Arts in Management from University of Maryland University College. Her Personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit and campaign awards.
Command Master Chief Karen N. Thomas Command Master Chief, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41