MASTER CHIEF ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN SUBMARINE, NAVIGATION (SS) KENNETH C. WALTON
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF, NAVY INFORMATION OPERATIONS COMMAND (NIOC) COLORADO
19 July 2023
Master Chief Walton is a native of Michigan and joined the Navy in May of 2005 as a member of the Submarine Electronics Computer Field. He completed Boot Camp in July of 2005 and immediately reported to Groton, Connecticut for “A” school.
In July of 2006, Master Chief Walton reported aboard PCU Hawaii (SSN 776), homeported in Groton, Conn., as a member of Navigation Division. He qualified Quartermaster, Navigation Supervisor, and advanced to Petty Officer Second Class. During his tour, PCU Hawaii was commissioned, completed a Southern Command deployment, and executed a homeport shift to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
His next assignment was in July 2010 aboard USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (BLUE) as a member of Navigation Division. While aboard, he qualified Chief of the Watch, Strategic Navigation Supervisor, and Assistant Navigator. He was meritoriously advanced to First Class Petty Officer, and served as the Leading Petty Officer during his two-year assignment.
In July of 2012, Master Chief Walton reported to Atlantic Undersea Testing and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in Andros Island, Bahamas, as the Assistant Range Safety Officer. While aboard, he qualified Command Duty Officer, Range Safety Watch Officer, and served as the Assistant Operations Officer.
In June of 2014, he reported aboard the USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (GOLD) to serve as the Assistant Navigator. During this assignment, he advanced to Chief Petty Officer, qualified Diving Officer of the Watch, advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer, and completed eight strategic patrols.
In July of 2018, he was selected to serve as the Assistant Navigator aboard Commander, Submarine Squadron 20. There, he oversaw training and development for 12 navigation teams, planned crew schedules, and conducted certification events for each. During his time aboard, he qualified Command Duty Officer and Chief of the Boat.
His last tour began in February 2021, serving as the Assistant Navigator aboard USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (BLUE). He completed two patrols aboard and served as the Chief of the Boat for a short time. In June of 2022, he then reported to USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (GOLD) as the Chief of the Boat.
His awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, and various other personal unit and service awards.