CMDCM (SW/AW/IW) Johnetta L. Heckard

Command Master Chief USS MICHAEL MURPHY (DDG 112)

28 June 2024 Master Chief Johnetta Lynn Heckard is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and 2002 graduate of Woodward High School. She entered the United States Navy through the Delayed Entry Program and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL December 2002. 

After Recruit training, she reported to USS PELELIU LHA 5 in January 2003 as an undesignated Seaman. She received her ESWS and EAWS qualifications, including being One of Three Master Helmsman onboard. In June 2005, she advanced under the Meritorious Advancement Program to PS3. 

Master Chief Heckard later transferred to Personnel Support Detachment Afloat West in San Diego, CA, where she worked as a Separations, and Transfers Clerk. While at PSD, she requested to convert to IS, and attended Intelligence Specialist A and C School in April 2008 at Information Warfare Training Center Virginia Beach, VA. 

In October 2008, she reported to USS CARL VINSON CVN-70. In June 2009, she advanced to IS2. She assumed duties working as a Fleet Intelligence Watch Assistant. In November 2010, she won Junior Sailor of the Quarter and Junior Sailor of the Year. In May 2011 she was assigned to Information Warfare Training Center Virginia Beach, VA where she advanced to IS1. As an Instructor, she earned her Master Training Specialist qualification, and won IWTC and CID Sailor of the Year. In September 2013, she was selected as the IS Junior Detailer in Millington, TN where she won NPC Sailor of the Year, MPT&E Sailor of the Year, and VCNO Shore Sailor of the Year finalist. She promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September 2015.  

In October 2016, she reported to USS AMERICA LHA 6 and assumed the duties and responsibilities as the OZ division LCPO. She promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2018. In 2019 she was stationed at USINDOPACOM JIOC as the Navy Element Senior Enlisted Leader and promoted to Master Chief in July 2021. In 2022, she served at USCENTCOM JICC simultaneously as the JICC Senior Enlisted Leader and Navy Element Senior Enlisted Leader. In 2024, she was selected to the Command Master Chief Program and received orders as the CMC for USS MICHAEL MURPHY DDG-112. 

  Heckard is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, and the CMC/COB course. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Park University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. Her personal awards include the Defense Service Meritorious Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four gold stars), and 2021 Admiral Edwin T. Layton award for Mentorship and Leadership.