Force Master Chief Eric W. Neal

Force Master Chief, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

27 September 2020 A native of Vancouver, Washington, Master Chief Neal enlisted in the Navy in February 1996. He completed recruit training followed by Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) in Groton, Connecticut. He graduated from Sonar Technician Submarines “A” School and reported to USS BILLFISH (SSN 676) in Groton, Connecticut, from 1996 to 1999, where he earned his submarine warfare device. His second undersea assignment included USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN 730) BLUE Crew, where he completed five deterrent patrols. Master Chief Neal then transitioned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal and graduated Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) class 0450N, where he graduated as a Basic EOD Technician.

Other assignments include EODMU FIVE, Agana Guam; Detachment FIVE ONE Sasebo, Japan; NAVSCOLEOD, Eglin AFB FL; Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces Central Commander Task Force FIVE SIX, Manama, Bahrain; EODMU EIGHT, Rota, Spain and Explosive Ordnance Disposal GROUP ONE, Coronado, California. Master Chief Neal earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and various unit awards. Additionally, he is authorized to wear the Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EWS), Expeditionary Warfare Specialist (EXW), and the Enlisted Submarine (SS) Insignias. He is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 19), National Defense University Keystone Fellow, and completed his Bachelors of Science in Military Leadership.