CMDCM William F. Kalmbach

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF, USS HOPPER (DDG 70)

02 June 2023 CMDCM Kalmbach is a native of Pearl City, Hawaii. He enlisted in the Navy in January of 2003, attended boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, completed OS “A” School in Dam Neck, Virginia Beach, Virginia and checked into his first command LPD 13, USS NASHVILLE in Norfolk, Virginia.

During his 20-year career, his afloat duty assignments were onboard the USS NASHVILLE (LPD-13), USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), USS CHOSIN (CG 65) and selected as a Command Senior Chief while aboard USS LASSEN (DDG 82). During his tours at sea he completed two deployments to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Liberia for Humanitarian efforts, HMCS PROTECTEUR (AOR 509) search and rescue, five to the Seventh Fleet AOR and three with Third and Fourth Fleet AORs.

His shore tours include: Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Hawaii as Command Master Chief, United States Naval Academy as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy Commandant for Professional Development / Department of Seamanship and Navigation LCPO / SEA / Instructor where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Norwich University, and Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, as an ET “A” School Instructor, Recruit Division Commander (RDC) and RDC “C” School Instructor where he earned his Distinguished Leadership Award, Master Training Specialist and Associates Degree from Columbia College. He is currently serving as Command Master Chief onboard USS HOPPER (DDG 70) stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

CMDCM Kalmbach’s personal awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Flag Letter of Commendation, Good Conduct Award (six awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and various Unit Awards. CMDCM is also a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy, class 206, Khaki Group; and CMC/COB, class 242.