CMDCM Andrew Thomasson

Past Command Master Chief, USS Benfold (DDG 65)

24 June 2020 Command Master Chief Thomasson entered the U.S. Navy in September 1997 from Wichita, Kansas. After completing Boot Camp at RTC Great Lakes, he attended the Airman Apprentice Training School at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, IL in December 1997. His first duty assignment was with the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in Norfolk, Virginia.   

His subsequent tours include NATTC in Pensacola, Florida where he served as an Airman Apprentice Training School Instructor earning his Master Training Specialist qualification. In 2005, ABE1 Thomasson transferred to USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. In 2008, he reported to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) where he was selected to Chief Petty Officer in 2009. 

In 2011, Chief Thomasson served as Operations Department Leading Chief Petty Officer at Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan where he oversaw aviation support services for Forward Deployed Naval Forces. In 2014, ABEC Thomasson returned for duty onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) until cross-decking to the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) where he completed multiple deployments. In 2016, he was selected to Senior Chief Petty Officer and to Master Chief Petty Officer in 2019. 

In July 2019 he was hand selected by Carrier Strike Group FIVE/Task Force SEVEN ZERO for emergent assignment as the Command Master Chief onboard USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70) halfway through a 7 month deployment to SEVENTH FLEET. In 2020 he was selected for the Command Master Chief Program and assumed duties as the Command Master Chief for USS BENFOLD (DDG 65) in Yokosuka, Japan. 

Master Chief Thomasson is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 220 “Orange”) and CMC/COB Course Class 20070. 

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Work Force Education Development from Southern Illinois University and a Certificate of Japanese Language Studies from the University of Maryland University College. 

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achieve Medal (7 awards).