Robert Santiago
Command Master Chief
Navy Exchange Service Command
Master Chief Robert A. Santiago is currently assigned as Command Master Chief, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), Virginia Beach, VA.
Master Chief Santiago was born in Vicenza, Italy, on January 03, 1961. After graduating from high school in Killeen, TX, in 1980, he worked for the Texas Department of Corrections and Baroco Electric Company. He enlisted in the Navy under the Delayed Entry Program in January 1984 and in November 1984 attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, FL. He then completed Aviation Machinist Mate “A” school at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, FL.
His first Sea Duty assignment sent him to Attack Squadron Eighty-Six (VA-86) on board the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). His other assignments included USS AMERICA (CV-66); Power Plants Leading Petty Officer, Anti-Submarine Squadron Two-Seven (VS-27), NAS Cecil Field, FL; Maintenance Control Chief Petty Officer,
Fleet Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8), Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico;
Maintenance Chief, SEACONRON THIRTY (VS-30) S-3B aircraft at NAS Cecil Field, FL; Leading Senior Chief Petty Officer, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, Naval Station Rota, Spain; Assistant Environmental Director and Facilities Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL; and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).
Master Chief Santiago was selected for the Command Master Chief program in 2006 and completed the Naval Senior Enlisted Academy's COB/CMC/SEA course. He reported as the Command Master Chief of Strike Fighter Squadron 32 based in Oceana, VA, in January 2007. Command Master Chief Santiago’s most recent assignment was as Command Master Chief, Naval Air Station Oceana, VA.
Master Chief Santiago’s personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (five awards), Unit Commendation Medal (one award), Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards), Battle “E” (five awards), Good Conduct Medal (five awards), National Defense Service Medal (two award), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Armed Forces Service Medal (one award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (six awards), Overseas Service Deployment Ribbon (four awards) and NATO Medal (two awards).
Master Chief Santiago attained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics with the University of Embry-Riddle.
