Iris Y Velez

Command Master Chief - NTAG Red River

19 December 2024

 

 Joined the Navy in 1996 as a Fireman, born and raised in Brooklyn New York, after serving two years onboard USS O’BANNON (DD 978), completed Personnelman “A” school. PN3 reported to the USS STUMP (DD 978) in Norfolk VA where she earned her Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification.  In 2001, PN2 Velez reported to Personnel Support Detachment Patuxent River, MD. In 2004, PN1 Velez received orders to Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN in Jacksonville, FL.  At VP 16, she earned her Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification, was selected to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and completed her Bachelors of Science in Health Care Management.

 

In December 2007, she reported to Navy Recruiting District New York and became the Recruiter-In-Charge of the Navy Recruiting Station in Brooklyn NY.  In 2010, she earned her Masters of Science degree in Human Resource Management with Webster University.  Chief Velez reported to JCISA Yongsan Korea, where she was selected to fill the role as the Navy Element Senior Enlisted Leader.  She transferred January 2013 to the Naval Branch Health Clinic Groton, CT.  She returned to sea in October 2015 on USS PRINCETON (CG 59).  On PRINCETON, as the Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer and Personnel Officer, she was selected to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.  In February 14, 2017, she was selected for the Command Senior Chief program.  She reported to the Littoral Combat Ship USS INDIANAPOLIS in June 2018 in Mayport Florida.  In 2020, she was selected as Command Master Chief and transferred to Afloat Training Group Western Pacific Yokosuka, Japan.  She earned her Instructor Navy Enlisted Classification and ultimately her Master Training Specialist.  In August 2024, she reported to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Red River, Irving Texas.

 

Master Chief Velez’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various service and unit awards.  In addition, she is a proud mom to Yatiana.