ITCS (IW/SW) Kala B. Lopes
Senior Enlisted Leader, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Guam
19 May 2025
Information Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer Lopes is a native of Hawaii. He enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1999 and completed Cryptologic Technician Communications (CTO) ‘A’ School during Year 2000 - Y2K - crisis in Pensacola, Fla.
He reported to his first duty station in Naval Security Group Activity Kunia in July 2000. On the J6 watch floor he performed duties as TACINTEL and NEWSDEALER operator throughout the September 11 attacks during the Global War on Terrorism. He would then be selected to perform as CMS vault clerk and advance to CTO Petty Officer 3
rd Class.
In August 2003, he served on board USS O’Kane (DDG 77). He performed a myriad of duties as SESS supervisor, VBSS Team member, and EKMS Alternate Manager. He completed two WESTPAC deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He earned his Surface Warfare and advanced to CTO Petty Officer 2
nd Class and force-converted to IT Petty Officer 2
nd Class.
He would later serve as J6 SATCOM Operator at Joint-Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) in Key West, Fla., in October 2007. His ability to drive mission capabilities and execute routine administrative functions led to his selection as Leading Petty Officer (LPO). Before his departure he advanced to IT Petty Officer 1
st Class.
In November 2010, he was assigned to the Special United States Liaison Activity Korea in Seoul, Korea. His primary duties were LPO and Network Administrator. His team would perform brilliantly after the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. He was twice selected for back-to-back Sailor of Year, and earned his Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) warfare pin.
Upon reporting to COMSUBPAC in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in August 2013 he would advance to Chief Petty Officer. He would perform for the next three years honing skills and expanding his knowledge of submarine communications and leadership as Communications Watch Officer (CWO).
In June 2016 he reported to Commander Task Force SIX NINE. He rapidly re-qualified as CWO and performed as N6 Department Leading Chief Petty Officer and LE Manager.
He would then report to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Detachment Everett, in Everett, Wash., in August 2019. He performed duties as Information System Security Manager (ISSM) and Repair Department LCPO.
In August 2022 he reported to USS Sampson (DDG 102) in Everett, Wash. His performance as Combat Communications division LCPO, ISSM, and CWF program manager resulted in his selection as Combat Systems Department LCPO. His team passed basic and advanced phase for WESTPAC 2025 and advanced to Senior Chief.
In February 2025 he transfered to Guam where he currently serves as Senior Enlisted Leader at NCTS Guam.
Senior Chief Lopes’ personal awards include Joint Commendation Medal (two), Navy Achievement Medal (four), Joint Service Medal (three), Navy Achievement Medal (five), Good Conduct Medal (eight), as well as various unit and campaign awards.