Command Master Chief Galarza, a native of Passaic, NJ, joined the Navy on February 2, 2002 and attended boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes. He graduated from Master-at-Arms “A” School, San Antonio, TX in July of 2002 and served as a Master-at-Arms from 2002-2021. He was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program in February of 2021.
His fleet assignments include Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy assigned as a Criminal Investigator; Camp Lemonnier Djibouti, Africa assigned as a forward deployed Harbor Security Unit Leading Petty Officer; Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story as the Security Department Leading Petty Officer; Coastal Riverine Group 2 Detachment Bahrain assigned as a Mission Commander and Tactical Supervisor; Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic (SWFLANT) as Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer; and Submarine Base Kings Bay Security Department where he served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor.
His Command assignments include USS Nantucket (LCS-27); USS Billings (LCS-15); and Naval Talent Acquisition Group New Orleans; Naval Support Activity Bahrain (current assignment). During his fleet assignments, he conducted eight extended overseas deployments to the 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of national tasking, NATO Operations, and various campaigns. Additionally, he is the recipient of the coveted Gold “R” FY-24 NTAG of the Year award.
Command Master Chief Galarza is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 166; holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a Specialization in Homeland Security, from Saint Leo University; and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, from Louisville University.
Additionally, he has earned the Certified Master Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CMAS) and the Nuclear Weapons Security Specialist qualifications. Enlisted Warfare Qualifications include the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Expeditionary Warfare Specialist, and Aviation Warfare Specialist. Command Master Chief Galarza’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 21 October 2025