CMDCM (SW) Michael A. Burford Jr.

Command Master Chief, USS SHOUP (DDG-86)

27 August 2024 Master Chief Burford is a native of San Francisco, California and a 1996 graduate from Raul Wallenberg High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in June 2004, completed Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, and completed Store Keeper (SK) “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi. Master Chief Burford is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 232 Grey Group, and a graduate of CMC/COB School. He holds an Associate’s Degree from City College of San Francisco.

Master Chief Burford’s Sea duty assignments include tours onboard USS MOBILE BAY (CG-53) San Diego, California; USS TORTUGA (LSD-46) Sasebo, Japan; USS ASHLAND (LSD-48) Sasebo, Japan; USS PIONEER (MCM-9) Sasebo, Japan; USS BENFOLD (DDG-65) Yokosuka, Japan. His shore duty assignments are Navy Recruiting District San Francisco (NRD) San Francisco, California, and NAVSUP Fleet Logistic Center Yokosuka (NAVSUP FLCY) Yokosuka, Japan.

Master Chief Burford was selected to the Command Master Chief Program in March 2022. In June 2022, his previous tour was USS CHIEF (MCM-14) in Sasebo, Japan. He reported onboard USS SHOUP (DDG-86) Yokosuka, Japan on 1 July 2024 where he is serving as Command Master Chief.

His insignias include Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2 award), and various unit and campaign awards.