CMDCM Stephen J. Bronder
Command Master Chief, Naval Information Warfare Training Group (NIWTG) Norfolk
12 July 2024
Master Chief Stephen J. Bronder is a native of California and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1995. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended basic training in Great Lakes in May 1996 and served as a Fire Controlman prior to his selection as a Command Master Chief.
Master Chief Bronder’s initial sea tour was on board USS Fife (DD 991) from 1998 to 2000 and followed up with another sea tour on board USS Elliot (DD 967) until 2003. His first shore duty was at NRD San Francisco, where he was a production recruiter in Santa Cruz, Calif. In August 2005, he returned to sea duty on board the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) where he served as Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer. During this tour, he was on the forefront of the BMD mission and completed numerous multi-national exercises and real-world employment of the AEGIS Long Range Search & Track mission.
In October 2008, he transferred to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, where he trained four divisions and served as the Recruit Services & Operations LCPO.
In January 2012, he reported to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) where he was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer and then selected to the Command Master Chief program. In 2013, he reported to the USS Tortuga (LSD 46) for assignment as Command Master Chief, which subsequently hull swapped with the USS Ashland (LSD 48). Remaining in Japan, he transferred to the Fleet Activities Sasebo for shore duty. In 2019, he reported to Training Support Center Hampton Roads in Virginia Beach, Va. In 2021, he reported to Naval Beach Group TWO as the ISIC CMC for Amphibious Connectors.
Master Chief Bronder assumed the responsibility as the Command Master Chief for Naval Information Warfare Training Group, Norfolk in July 2024.
Master Chief Bronder has been awarded the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, as well as other personal, unit and service decorations.