CMDCM (SW) Alan Benavidez

Past Command Master Chief, USS HIGGINS (DDG 76)

04 June 2022 Command Master Chief Benavidez is a native of San Diego, California and enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1998.  He completed Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois and traveled to San Diego, California to complete STG “A” School. 
  
Master Chief Benavidez reported to USS JOHN YOUNG (DD 973) San Diego, CA in March 2000 and was assigned to Combat Systems Acoustics Division serving as Work Center Supervisor.  While on this tour, he deployed to 5th Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and conducted Counter Narcotic Operations in 3rd Fleet.  Upon decommissioning USS JOHN YOUNG (DD 973), he reported to USS ELLIOT (DD 967) San Diego, CA in October 2002, and deployed to 5th Fleet.  His follow on orders assigned him to TSC SAN DIEGO in April 2005, as a Naval Military Training Instructor and was selected as the command’s 2007 Sailor of the Year.  He reported to USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) San Diego, CA in March 2008 as Leading Chief Petty Officer for Combat Acoustics Division and deployed to 7th Fleet to support Operation Foal Eagle and Northern Edge.  In April 2011, he reported to ATG SAN DIEGO and served as Undersea Warfare Team Leader.  In May 2014, he served as Senior Enlisted Leader for LCS ASW GOLD DET ONE.  He was selected into the Command Senior Chief program in March 2019 and completed his first tour in USS CORONADO (LCS 4).

He is currently serving as the Command Master Chief for USS HIGGINS (DDG 76)  Additionally, Master Chief Benavidez is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 218, Khaki) and has earned Surface Warfare, Master Training Specialist, and Afloat Training Specialist designations. 
   
His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.