CMDCM Matthew T.C. Abel

Command Master Chief, USS Milius (DDG 69)

07 June 2023 A native of Washington DC, Command Master Chief Matthew T.C. Abel graduated from Bowie High School in May 2001 and enlisted in the Navy in May 2002. Upon completion of recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended Mess Management Specialist school in San Antonio, Texas for his apprenticeship training.

Master Chief Abel’s sea tours include USS PONCE (LPD-15) where he deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom and Operation Infinite Moonlight, and USS NITZE (DDG-94) participating in Joint Warrior and UNITAS exercises. He served as Leading Culinary Specialist on USS BARRY (DDG-52) for her maiden Ballistic Missile Defense deployment to SIXTH Fleet in support of Operation Active Endeavor and Reliant Shield, and while assigned to USS KEARSARGE (LHD-3) he led a joint service team of 183 Sailors and Marines through a seven-month combat deployment to FIFTH Fleet in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Again, he served onboard USS BARRY (DDG-52) this time as her Supply Department Leading Chief while forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan in support of SEVENTH Fleet operations.

His shore tours include Fleet Activities Yokosuka base galley and unaccompanied housing Leading Petty Officer, and the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island executive services Leading Chief.

Master Chief Abel was selected into the Command Senior Enlisted Leader program in 2021. He served as Command Senior Chief onboard USS PIONEER (MCM-9) while forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and is currently serving as Command Master Chief onboard USS MILIUS (DDG-69) while forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (six awards) and multiple unit citations. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (class 222) and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course (class 23090).