CMDCS(SW) Michael A. Buford Jr.

Past Command Senior Chief, USS Chief (MCM 14)

03 July 2022 Senior Chief Burford is a native of San Francisco, California and a 1996 graduate from Raul Wallenberg High School.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in June 2004, completed Recruit Training Command in Greatlakes, Illinois, and completed Store Keeper (SK) “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi.  Senior Chief Burford is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 232 Grey Group. He holds an Associate’s Degree from City College of San Francisco.

Senior Chief Burford’s Sea duty assignments include tours onboard USS MOBILE BAY (CG-54) San Diego, California; USS TORTUGA (LSD-46) Sasebo, Japan; USS ASHLAND (LSD-48) Sasebo, Japan; USS PIONEER (MCM-9) Sasebo, Japan; USS BENFOLD (DDG-65) Yokosuka, Japan.  His shore duty assignments are Navy Recruiting District San Francisco (NRD) San Francisco, California, and NAVSUP Fleet Logistic Center Yokosuka (NAVSUP FLCY) Yokosuka, Japan.

Senior Chief Burford was selected to the Command Senior Chief Program in March 2022 and in May 2022; he attended the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course.  In June 2022, he reported to his current assignment onboard USS CHIEF (MCM-14) in Sasebo, Japan. 

His insignias include Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2 award), and various unit and campaign awards.