Command Master Chief Sandra Dyal attended Recruit Training in Orlando, Florida, in May 1991 and began her career as a Torpedoman’s Mate.
Upon completion of ‘A’ School, she reported aboard USS SIMON LAKE (AS- 33) in Holy Loch, Scotland. In May 1995, she attended Aviation Ordnanceman ‘A’ school in Millington, Tennessee, served at Naval Airborne Weapons Maintenance Unit-1, Guam and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department, Point Mugu, California. In October 2000, reported to the “World Famous Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron 192 based in Atsugi, Japan where she advanced to Chief Petty Officer.
November 2002, she reported to Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Pacific and was hand-selected to serve as the fleet weapons representative for the Aviation Maintenance Inspection Team responsible and then reported to USS KITTY HAWK in Yokosuka, Japan in March 2005.
October 2007, Dyal returned to CNAF as U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Armament Weapons Manager. There she advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer before heading to USS NASSAU (LHA 4) as Weapons Department Leading Chief Petty Officer in January 2010.
May 2011, she reported to the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 as the Quality Assurance Supervisor, qualified Safe-for-Flight, and advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer. In 2013, Dyal deployed with HSC-7 as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader during USS HARRY S. TRUMAN STRIKE GROUP’s 2013 deployment in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
February 2014, she graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 178, Blue) and reported to Navy Munitions Command CONUS East as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader. Master Chief Dyal was subsequently selected for the Command Master Chief Program and completed the Command Master Chief Course (Class 15130) in August 2015.
September 2015, she reported to the USS New York (LPD 21) as Command Master Chief where she helped lead the crew to the 2016 Retention Excellence Award, the Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic’s 2016 Battle Effectiveness Award, and the 2016 Commander Naval Region Southeast Community Service Award.
November 2017 she reported to USS AMERICA (LHA-6) as Command Master Chief, leading the crew through a maintenance availability, successful homeport shift to Sasebo, Japan, and was often lauded “Best on the Waterfront”, AMERICA’s crew soared through all certifications.
While serving as the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Command Master Chief, she provided sound guidance advising the Commanding General and supporting the management and leadership for over 14,500 enlisted Marines, Sailors and Naval Officers. Additionally, she provided clear direction and advice to 39 commanding officers and sergeants major regarding naval programs, policies and traditions.
July 2022 to 2024, she served as Command Master Chief for Expeditionary Strike Group TWO (ESG 2), a one-star staff providing oversight and management of two amphibious squadrons, 13 amphibious ships, four Expeditionary Sea Base crews, a Naval Beach Group, and two tactical air control squadrons as the Navy’s East-Coast lead for amphibious operations and expertise.
Master Chief Dyal’s personal awards include four Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6) and various unit and campaign medals.