CMDCM Dennisha J. McElveen

Past Command Master Chief, USS Gridley (DDG 101)

13 October 2016 Master Chief McElveen, a native of Fountain, Colorado, enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1999. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois, she attended Seaman Apprenticeship Training before reporting to her ultimate duty station.

In October 1999, she reported onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in Norfolk Virginia where she served in Deck Department before cross rating to Operations Specialist. She earned her Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualifications, completed two deployments, and was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class.

In July 2004, she reported as a recruiter for Navy Recruiting District San Diego working out of NRS Huntington Beach. After a successful tour, she earned her recruiting ribbon and was promoted to Petty Officer First Class under the Recruiter Excellence Incentive Program.

In July 2007, she reported to USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) pre-commissioning detachment. While assigned to USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8), she served as the OI Division Leading Petty Officer and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September 2010. After promotion, she earned the 0319 NEC and Afloat Training Specialist qualification.

In March 2014, she reported to USS DECATUR (DDG 73) and soon after was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. She served as Operations Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Senior Enlisted Watchbill Coordinator, Air Intercept Controller Supervisor, and Command SAPR POC.

In July 2016, she reported to AEGIS ASHORE MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM ROMANIA as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, and was selected for the Command Senior Chief program in February 2017.

She assumed the role of Command Senior Enlisted Leader pre-commissioning unit INDIANAPOLIS BLUE in October 2017 and upon selection to Command Master Chief transferred to pre-commissioning unit BILLINGS BLUE in June 2018. She reported to USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) in March 2020. She is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Blended Class 55, and CMC/COB course class 17130.

Master Chief McElveen’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.