CMDCM (SW/AW/EXW) James Abeyta

Command Master Chief, USS Decatur (DDG 73)

11 July 2023 Master Chief Abeyta enlisted in the Navy on August 1997. His initial tours include the PRECOM USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD-6), Branch Medical Clinic El Centro, CA, PRECOM USS NEW ORLEANS (LPD-18), Special Boat Team TWELVE, and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Advanced Training Command.

As a Chief Petty Officer, he augmented SEAL Team SEVEN in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. His follow on tours include USS DE WERT (FFG-45) in 2013, USS ROOSEVELT (DDG-80) in 2014, Littoral Combat Squadron (LCS) TWO in 2016, and Destroyer Squadron SIX ZERO in 2019. In 2021, he was selected as the Command Master Chief for Expeditionary Medical Facility KILO.

Master Chief Abeyta’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award), Armed Services Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards. He is qualified to wear Enlisted Surface Warfare, Enlisted Aviation Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare Specialist. He is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Senior Leader Course and CMC/COB Course. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Excelsior College.