CMDCM (SW/EXW/AW) Paul James

Command Master Chief, USS Rushmore (LSD 47)

14 March 2023 Master Chief James is a native of Los Angeles, California and a 1997 graduate from North Iredell High School in Olin, North Carolina. He enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1997 and completed Recruit Training and Fireman Apprenticeship Training in Great Lakes, Illinois. He is a 2017 graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 205 Brown Group and a 2019 graduate of the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course in Newport, Rhode Island.

His previous sea duty assignments includes: Main Space Fireman onboard USS FIFE (DD 991) in Everett Washington from February 1998 to October 2000; Auxiliary Maintenance Technician onboard USS CARDINAL (MHC 60) in Manama, Bahrain from January 2004 to November 2004; Air Conditioning & Refrigerant and Shore Services Leading Petty Officer onboard USS FRANK CABLE (AS 40) in Santa Rita, Guam from September 2008 to September 2011; Machinery Repair Division Leading Chief Petty Officer, 3M Maintenance and Material Management Coordinator, and Command Senior Chief onboard USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39) in Santa Rita, Guam from April 2015 to November 2019.

His previous shore commands includes: C4I Power Technician, Naval Computer Telecommunications Station Naples (NCTS), Naples, Italy from October 2000 to September 2003; Outboard Engine Technician at Explosive Ordnance Mobile Unit FIVE, Santa Rita, Guam from November 2004 to September 2008. Recruit Division Commander at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois from November 2011 to April 2015; Command Senior Chief at Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific Atsugi, Japan from December 2019 to August 2022. In September 2022, he reported onboard USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47) in Sasebo, Japan where he is currently serving as the Command Master Chief.

His personal declarations include the Navy Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6th award), Military Outstanding Service Volunteer Medal and various unit awards, campaign and service decorations.