CMDCM Shelly Zakimi

Command Master Chief, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9

26 October 2023 Command Master Chief Zakimi, a native of Hemphill, Texas, enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1999. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois she reported to Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois where she completed Radioman “A” school.

Her fleet assignments include USS PORTER (DDG 78), Multi National Corps/Multi National Forces, Baghdad, IRAQ and Carrier Strike Group TWO. Additionally, she served as Command Master Chief for USS RALPH JOHNSON (DDG 114) from July 2018 to September 2021. Her leadership directly contributed to RALPH JOHNSON’s outstanding performance on her maiden deployment—nine months of operations in FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet amid the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and recipient of three Retention Excellence awards and the 2020 Battle “E” award.

In addition, Master Chief Zakimi completed shore assignments at United States Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii, Naval Ocean Processing Facility, Dam Neck, Virginia, Center for Information Dominance, Dam Neck, Virginia, as the Command Senior Chief at PSNS and IMF Detachment, Everett, Washington and the Command Master Chief for Naval Station Everett.

Master Chief Zakimi, assumed her current assignment as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE in October 2023.

Master Chief Zakimi has earned her Enlisted Information Warfare, Aviation Warfare, Surface Warfare, Master Training and Integrated Undersea Surveillance System Specialist designations and is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy class 190 (Green) and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course.

Her decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit and campaign awards.