CMDCM(SS/SW) ALFONSO R. RIVERA
Command Master Chief, Submarines/Surface Warfare
Master Chief Rivera is a native of Los Angeles, CA. He enlisted in the Navy in March of 1986, and has completed the following courses of instruction: Basic Training in San Diego, CA; Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, CT; Strategic Weapons System Electronics “A” and “C” Schools in Dam Neck, VA; Trident II D-5 Back-fit Navigation Conversion Course, Kings Bay, GA; Instructor Training School, Kings Bay, GA; Command Career Counselor School, Norfolk, VA; the Senior Enlisted Academy, including the COB/CMC Capstone Course in Newport, RI, and the National Defense University’s Keystone Course for Command Senior Enlisted Leaders.
Prior to reporting to his current command, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven-Zero, Master Chief Rivera’s most recent assignment was at the Joint Task Force, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as the Command Master Chief of the Navy’s Expeditionary Guard Battalion, directly supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.
Previous sea duty assignments include: USS Mariano G. Vallejo (SSBN 658)(Gold), USS Simon Lake (AS-33), USS Maryland (SSBN 738)(Blue), USS Kentucky (SSBN 737)(Gold). He served in USS Maryland (SSBN 738)(BLUE) as Chief of the Boat (COB) from December, 2003 to December 2006. During his tour the ship earned the Submarine Squadron 20 Battle Efficiency “E” in 2004, and several Navy, and departmental awards. He was selected for the Command Master Chief (CMC) program in 2005. He also served as COB in USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD) from December, 2006 to April, 2009. During his tour the ship conducted operations directly contributing to the Global War on Terrorism, and earned two consecutive Battle Efficiency “E” awards for 2007 and 2008. Master Chief Rivera has completed 19 Strategic Deterrent patrols, and one deployment directly supporting the Global War on Terrorism.
Previous shore duty assignments include: Lead Instructor/Leading Petty Officer for the Strategic Weapons System, Navigation Division “C” Schools at Trident Training Facility Kings Bay, GA, earning designation as a Master Training Specialist. He also served as Strategic Navigator on the staff of Submarine Squadron Sixteen in Kings Bay, GA where he qualified for assignment as Chief of the Boat.
Master Chief Rivera is qualified in submarines and as an enlisted surface warfare specialist, and entitled to wear the Enlisted Submarine and Enlisted Surface Warfare insignias. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), and several other unit and campaign awards. Master Chief Rivera earned an Associates Degree in Electronics and Organizational Management through Coastline Community College, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ashford University with a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Organizational Management.