JJ Gonzalez, FLTCM, US Navy (Ret.)

Fleet Master Chief Gonzalez was born and raised in Panama, Republic of Panama. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, and realized his dream of joining the U. S. military at the age of 24 after obtaining his permanent resident status. 

Fleet Gonzalez reported to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1995 and began his career as a Fireman Recruit. After graduating basic training, he attended Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) class "A" school, then later converted to the Navy Counselor rating. Gonzalez proudly became a United States naturalized citizen through his military service in 1998. He was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program in 2011 and for Command Master Chief in 2012. 

At Sea, he served onboard the USS Kidd (DDG 993), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Vincennes (CG 49), USS Lake Erie (CG 70), and the USS Reuben James (FFG 57). 

His shore tours include Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, Naval Base Guam, U.S. Fourth Fleet, U.S. Sixth Fleet, Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, U.S Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. 

Gonzalez is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 142/Khaki), and the Command Master Chief /Chief of the Boat Course (Class 83). 

He has served on teams that have been recognized with numerous awards. His most precious ones are the Battle Effectiveness Awards earned with Teammates while at sea. 

Gonzalez assumed the duties as a Naval Science Instructor in Gray’s Creek High School after his retirement from the United States Navy.