Master Chief Jeffery A. Barnes is a native of Rainier, Oregon. He completed basic military training in San Diego, CA and reported onboard USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11) in November 1992, as an undesignated airman. Upon completion of three Western Pacific deployments, he transferred to Fleet Aviation Specialized Operations Training Group, Pacific. While assigned as a Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructor he earned his Master Training Specialist and advanced to ABF1.
In November 2000 he reported to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center and graduated from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal in January 2002. He reported to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) THREE and completed deployments in support of 1st FSSG, SEAL Team ONE and deployed aboard USS CHIEF (MCM-14) in support of Task Unit 60.6.
In 2007 he was assigned to EODMU ELEVEN Detachment Bangor providing EOD response to Navy Region Northwest and Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC). In 2009, he reported to EODMU EIGHT in Sigonella, Italy, where he deployed to Western Iraq in with 10th SFG (A). Upon selection as a MCPO, he was assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces Central/Commander Task Force (CTF) 56, Manama, Bahrain.
He was selected to the Command Master Chief (CMC) program and reported to his first Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) tour at EODMU ONE, in December 2013 where he deployed to CENTCOM in support of C5F and again to AFRICOM in support of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Assigned to EODGRU TWO in June 2016, he deployed aboard USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) in support of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) efforts for Hurricane’s Irma and Maria. He then did a short assignment in Rota, Spain as the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force Europe and Africa/Task Force 68 CMC. In May of 2019 he reported to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific as the 6th NECC Force Master Chief.
He assumed the duties as Command Master Chief, Marine Forces Command, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and Marine Forces Northern Command, in March of 2022.
Master Chief Barnes is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations University Summit Course, National Defense University Senior Enlisted Keystone Course, CMC/COB Course, and Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy. He holds a Bachelors of Arts from Excelsior College and has numerous personal and unit awards.