HMCM (SW/FMF) Robert E. Searles, Command Master Chief
Master Chief Robert Searles enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1983 and completed his recruit training in San Diego, California, advancing to Seaman Apprentice under the Command Advancement Program as top Ten Percent recruit. He graduated from Basic Hospital Corpsman School, San Diego, California in April 1984, and in June 1984, graduated from Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton, California.
Master Chief Searles' first duty assignment was Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia where he was assigned to the Admiral Joel T. Boone Clinic and worked in Family Care One and Two, Physical Therapy and finally Base Operations.
In July 1985 Master Chief Searles was transferred to the 2D Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune North Carolina, Alpha Company, working as a Sick-call screener and subsequently advanced to Petty Officer Third Class. He then completed a six-month deployment on board USS La Moure County (LST-1194) as part of MSSG-24. Upon return to Alpha Company he was assigned as Training Petty Officer and advanced to Petty Officer Second Class.
In October 1988, Master Chief Searles was assigned to the Naval Regional Medical Center, Camp Lejeune North Carolina, where he worked at Building 15 Branch Medical Center as Training Petty Officer and Sick-call Screener. He was selected to serve as Senior Medical Department Representative of the Brig Branch Medical Clinic.
In March 1991, he graduated from Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman School in Portsmouth, Virginia and was advanced to Petty Officer First Class. After graduating, he transferred to the Pre-Commissioning Unit USS Barry (DDG-52) as the Senior Medical Department Representative.
In March 1994, he received orders to the 2D Marine Division, Camp Lejeune North Carolina, assigned to 2D Combat Engineer Battalion as Leading Petty Officer. While assigned he was selected to serve as a Commanding General's Inspector. Master Chief Searles was eventually transferred to 1st Battalion 6th Marines and deployed to Cuba.
In July 1996, Master Chief Searles returned to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, promoted to Chief Petty Officer and assigned as Division Officer for the Persian Gulf Program - Atlantic, and the Leading Chief Petty Officer for Military Health and Readiness, Pediatrics, Psychology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Allergy departments. In 1997, while stationed in Portsmouth, he deployed on board USS Firebolt (PC-10) for drug interdiction operations in the Caribbean.
In June 1999, Master Chief Searles was transferred to the USS Klakring (FFG-42). Assigned as the Senior Medical Department Representative, he completed the 1999 training cycle then deployed on UNITAS 2000. He was subsequently selected for promotion to Senior Chief Petty Officer.
In June 2001, Master Chief Searles was assigned to Afloat Training Group Norfolk as the Medical Department trainer for Atlantic based ships. He completed the Master Training Specialist program and served as the Afloat Training Specialist Coordinator. Master Chief Searles successfully attained his Bachelor of Science degree and in April 2004 was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer.
Master Chief Searles received orders to the USS Wasp (LHD-1) in June, 2004 as Medical Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. His duties included advising the Senior Medical Officer on all matters affecting medical, material, and administrative readiness. While stationed onboard the USS Wasp, Master Chief Searles deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In January 2005, Master Chief Searles was assigned to Commander, Amphibious Group TWO, Little Creek, Virginia, as Group Medical Master Chief. He was singularly responsible for the inspection of all phases of medical readiness for 29 amphibious ships and Group commands.
Master Chief Searles was reassigned to Commander, Surface Force Atlantic in January 2006 to serve as the Force Medical Master Chief. As well as serving as the Command Master Chief, his duties included oversight of medical readiness for Atlantic based platforms. From July 2007 to January 2008 he had the unique distinction of serving as the Force Master Chief.
In August 2009, Master Chief Searles was assigned to Commander, First Naval Construction Division, Little Creek, Virginia, as the Force Medical Master Chief. His duties include inspection of all phases of medical readiness for the "Can do" Sea Bees around the world.
In June 2011, Master Chief Searles assumed his current position as the Command Master Chief for the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center.
His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Six Good Conduct Medals, Navy Fleet Marine Force Service Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, two Humanitarian Service Ribbons, four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and several unit and campaign awards.
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Content last reviewed on April 12, 2010.