Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Venegas is a native of Los Angeles, Ca. In July 1994, he enlisted in the United States Navy and attended Basic Training and Airman Apprentice Training at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes. He then reported to his first command, USS BOXER (LHD 4).
During a successful maiden deployment, CMC Venegas was advanced to Petty Officer 3rd class. He attended San Diego State University for two years before returning to active duty in the summer of 2000 where he reported onboard USS DENVER (LPD 9) in San Diego, California.
CMC Venegas served four years on USS DENVER as Aviation Fuels Leading Petty Officer (LPO) advancing to Petty Officer 2nd class earning his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification and meritoriously advanced to Petty Officer 1st class. He took follow-on orders to USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) assuming the duties as Fuels Flight Deck LPO and qualifying as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist. In 2007, he reported to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.
After completing Recruit Division Commander (RDC) School, he was selected for promotion to Chief Petty Officer in 2007. He successfully trained 10 recruit divisions and served as the Fundamentals Applied Skills Training Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO). He was awarded the RDC Excellence Award for outstanding performance of his duties in training future Sailors. He then reported to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in Yokosuka, Japan. In 2012, he was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer and assumed duties as V-4 Division LCPO.
In October of 2013, CMC Venegas transferred to Pre-Commissioning Unit GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) as the V-4 LCPO and Air Department LCPO. In 2016, he was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program with follow on orders to LCS Crew 106 attached to USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) in San Diego, California. After turning over FREEDOM, he was advanced to Master Chief and became the CMC of USS SIOUX CITY (LCS 11) (GOLD). He then reported to USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000) as the CMC of ZUMWALT. In January 2021 following a successful three-year tour onboard DDG 1000 including a maiden patrol of the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii he transferred to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Southwest, formerly known as NRD San Diego. In November 2023 he became the CMC of Naval Base Point Loma, CA.
CMC Venegas is a graduate of the United States Senior Enlisted Academy Class 176 GOLD and the Naval Leadership and Ethics Course (CMC/COB). He holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from Coastline College. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Arizona State University. His personal awards the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit campaign awards.
Last Updated: 22 January 2024