Master Chief Lance M. Connolly

Master Chief Connolly is a native of Walnut Ridge, AR. Upon graduation of Hoxie High School he enlisted in the Navy in 1996. He graduated from basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Advanced Electronics Technical Core School at Naval Station Great Lakes, Data Systems Technician "A" School, and various "C" schools in Dam Neck, VA.

His first duty station was aboard the USS NASSAU (LHA 4), where he earned his Enlisted Surface and Air Warfare Specialist Qualifications. He then reported to Commander, Second Fleet in 2003 for duty as a TLAM/Strike Cell LPO. His follow-on shore duty was at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes in 2006 as a Recruit Division Commander. While there he served as an RDC "C" School instructor and was advanced to Chief Petty Officer on September 16, 2009.

In 2009, he reported to Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar Unit 8/Joint Intercept Battery 2, as the CRAM Maintenance Leading Chief Petty Officer. His unit defended multiple forward operating bases and achieved a 100% kill rate. He then reported to USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) in 2011 and served as the TLAM LCPO, VBSS Boarding Officer, and Weapons Department LCPO. In 2014, he reported as a company SEL and Battalion LCPO at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where he was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer.

He currently serves as the Command Master Chief aboard Coastal Riverine Squadron Four (CRS-4) located in Little Creek, VA.

Master Chief Connolly is a graduate of U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 193 (Khaki Group). He holds a bachelor's Degree in Religion and a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security. Master Chief Connolly's military decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), Iraq Campaign Medal, Recruit Training Service Ribbon and numerous unit citations and service awards.