Command Master Chief William L. Simms Command Master Chief, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 More Details 250207-N-MC000-0050.JPG 250207-N-MC000-0050.JPG SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: 250207-N-MC000-0050.JPG VIRIN: 250207-N-MC000-0050 Command Master Chief Simms is a native of Lemoore, California. He enlisted in the Navy in October 2002 and reported for basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of basic training, he attended Aviation Maintenance (AZ) “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi. He reported for his first duty station in April 2003 with Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE FIVE (VAQ-135) where he served in various in-rate positions and completed two deployments onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). In 2006, he reported to Fleet Readiness Center West, Lemoore, CA where he served as Production Control Leading Petty Officer and then Ground Support Equipment Division Leading Petty Officer. In 2009, he attended “C” school in Pensacola, Florida and was designated as a Data Analyst. He then reported to Strike Fighter Squadron TWO TWO (VFA-22) where he deployed twice onboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) serving as Data Analyst and Maintenance Control Leading Petty Officer. In 2013, he reported to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore where he served as Divisional Leading Petty Officer. While there he earned his Master Training Specialist (MTS) qualification, and in 2016 was selected to Chief Petty Officer. In 2016, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FOUR SEVEN (VFA-147) serving as the Maintenance Administration and Supply Leading Chief Petty Officer. Following the 2017 deployment onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), he helped the command transition into the Navy’s first operational sea going F-35C Lightning II command. In 2020, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron TWO TWO (VFA-22) and served as the Maintenance Control Leading Chief Petty Officer. He was promoted to Senior Chief in September 2020, and accepted into the Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Program in February 2023. He has served as the Senior Enlisted Leader of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in May 2023 where he was promoted to Command Master Chief, and checked onboard to Strike Fighter Squadron FOURTEEN (VFA-14) in May 2024. CMDCM Simms is a graduate of the U.S. Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 244/Khaki) and CMC/COB Class 23080. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (one award) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (eight awards), and various unit and campaign awards. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Columbia College. Additionally, he is a recipient of the 2021 Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award.