CMDCM(SW) Jason Ortega

Past Command Master Chief, USS Essex (LHD 2)

14 April 2022 A native of San Antonio, Texas, Master Chief Ortega enlisted in the Navy in June 1999. He attended Basic Training and Engineman (EN) “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. 

His initial sea tour was onboard USS ROBIN (MHC-54) and was followed with subsequent sea tours on USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG-93) and Patrol Coastal Crew Echo. While onboard rotational crew PC Crew Echo, he served onboard USS SQUALL (PC-7), USS TEMPES (PC-2), USS TYPHOON (PC-5), USS CHINOOK (PC-9) and USS MONSOON (PC-4) operating in Little Creek, VA and FDNF Bahrain.

Master Chief Ortega’s shore tours include TSC Great Lakes as an NMT instructor and subsequent shore tours at COMNAVAIRPAC and COMNAVSURFPAC as a Command Climate Specialist. 

He was selected for the Command Master Chief program in 2017 and has enjoyed successful tours onboard USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD-52) and ASSAULT CRAFT UNIT FIVE. He is currently serving onboard USS ESSEX (LHD-2).

Master Chief Ortega is a 2013 graduate of the Air Force Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 13B and the CMC/COB Course, Class 181. He earned his Associate Degree from Coastline Community College and has received personal awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service and campaign awards.