Command Master Chief James Lighty is a native of New York, and raised in the borough of Brooklyn.  He enlisted in the Navy November 16, 2000 and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. He successfully completed Seaman “ATD” School in 2001, and Master -at- Arms "A" school in 2003.  In 2018, he was selected for an assignment as Command Senior Chief and promoted to Command Master Chief in 2021.  
 
His Overseas-duty assignments include Commander Patrol Reconnaissance Wing One (CTF-72), Naval Air Facility Misawa, Harbor Patrol Unit Bahrain, Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa and Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion Guantanamo Bay Cuba.  His sea duties and CONUS assignments include VQ3 Det Offut, USS CARR (FFG 52), and SUBASE New London and the USS DETROIT (AOE-4). 
 
In September 2021, he started serving as Command Master Chief of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWELVE.  Master Chief Lighty graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 195 (Khaki) in April 2016, and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat (CMC/COB) course (Class 191) in September 2018. 
 
Master Chief Lighty is qualified to wear the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) insignias. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two Awards), Navy Accommodation Medal (three Awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal (two Awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two Awards), Good Conduct Medal (five Awards) Military Outstanding Voluntary Service Medal (two Awards), Flag Letter of Commendation along with various unit and campaign awards.