CMDCM(SS) Sterling Sims
Master Chief Sims is a native of Pelican, Louisiana and enlisted in the
Navy in July 1999.
In January 2001, Master Chief Sims reported to USS MAINE (SSBN 741) (Blue) homeported in Kings Bay, Georgia to the Navigation Operations Department.
He later reported to USS WYOMING (SSBN 742) (Gold) in July 2008, where he was selected to Chief Petty Officer. His next assignment was aboard USS ALASKA (SSBN 732) (Gold) where he served as both the Communications and Navigation Departments’ Leading Chief Petty Officer. He was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer in February 2016.
He served as the Chief of the Boat aboard USS RHODE ISLAND (SSBN 740) (Gold) from November 2019 to July 2022 His crew was awarded the COMSUBRON 20 Battle “E” in 2020 and 2022 and received the Commander, Submarine Forces, Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) Hugh McCracken Deckplate Leadership Award in 2021 and 2022.
While serving aboard RHODE ISLAND, he was advanced to Master Chief and, in March 2022, was selected to Command Master Chief. Over the course of his sea tours, his crews earned six Battle Efficiency “E” Awards.
In October 2005, he reported to his first shore duty assignment aboard NAVCOMTELSTA Naples where he qualified and stood Communications Watch Officer on the CTF 69 Watch floor. He reported as the Mast and Antenna Repair Technician aboard Naval Ship Repair Facility Yokosuka from March 2011 to January 2013.
In May 2017, he reported to Submarine Group Ten in Kings Bay, Ga. where he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader.
In September of 2022, he reported as the Command Master Chief of Submarine Squadron 16 supporting the two guided-missile submarines, USS GEORGIA AND USS FLORIDA, homeported in Kings Bay, Ga. As the Squadron CMC, he aligned tactical actions with Combatant Commander Objectives across multiple theaters during heightened global tensions.
In December of 2024, Sims reported as the Command Master Chief at Submarine Group Ten, where he currently serves.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards), and various other personal unit and service awards