CMDCM (SW/IW/EXW/SCW/FMF) James H. Butler

Past Command Master Chief, USS John Finn (DDG 113)

12 June 2023 Command Master Chief Butler is a native of Hebron, Maryland and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1988 through the Delayed Entry Program. In 1989, he graduated from Mardela High School and Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois.

In 1990, he completed Gunners Mate “A” school, reported to the USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), and completed a West Pac deployment to the middle east.  After a tour of duty with Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity in the Weapons Maintenance Shop, he completed 5” 54 Gun Mount “C” school, reported to the USS Valley Forge (CG 50), and completed two deployments (counter-narcotic operations and the middle east).  

In 1998, he transitioned to the Navy Reserve and completed assignments with Inshore Boat Unit SEVENTEEN (two operational deployments to Guam and Kuwait), Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit THREE ZERO THREE, 30th Naval Construction Regiment (one operational deployment to Iraq), Maritime Civil Affairs Squadron ONE, U. S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, and Cargo Afloat Rig Team THREE.

In 2011, he was selected for the Command Master Chief program and assigned to Cargo Handling Battalion FOURTEEN where he deployed in 2014 in support of Joint Logistics Task Force FIVE to Afghanistan. 

From 2015 through 2019, he served as the Command Master Chief (CMDCM) for Coastal Riverine Squadron ONE.  Following this assignment, he was selected for flag CMDCM duty with the Defense Logistics Agency, Joint Reserve Force. 

In 2022, Master Chief Butler was selected as the CMDCM for Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic, Reserve Enterprise.  

In 2023, Master Chief Butler reported as the CMDCM for USS JOHN FINN (DDG-113) in support of Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan.

He is an Honor graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (NR-12; Gold), completed the Command Leadership Course (CMC/COB), National Defense University’s Keystone Course (19-1), and earned a Bachelor’s degree from National University.  

Master Chief Butler is designated as a Surface, Information, Expeditionary, Seabee Combat, and Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist and qualified Tactical Craft Patrol Leader.

Master Chief Butler has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (8th award), Combat Action Ribbon, and various other campaign, command, and personal awards.