Biography
Command Master Chief, 1st Marine Division
CMDCM Richard E. Bolton

Master Chief Petty Officer (Submarine Warfare/Surface Warfare/Fleet Marine Force) Richard Bolton is a native of California. He enlisted in the Navy in April 1995 and attended basic training at Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. He attended Hospital Corps "A" School Great Lakes followed by Field Medical Service School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Upon successful completion of this training, he was assigned to his first command at Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia.

 

Master Chief Bolton’s first sea duty tour was to VMFA-224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, Beaufort, South Carolina. During this tour, he completed a WESTPAC and qualified Fleet Marine Force (FMF). Upon completion of his tour, he reported to US Naval Hospital Keflavik, Iceland, from 2000-2002. While in Iceland, he served as Leading Petty Officer, Materials Management Department.

 

In 2002, he reported to the Naval Undersea Medical Institute (NUMI) in Groton, Connecticut for Basic Enlisted Submarine School and Submarine Independent Duty Corpsman “C” School. He graduated as class “Honorman” in October 2003 and was meritoriously promoted to HM1. In late 2003, he reported as Medical Department Representative (MDR), USS Nevada (SSBN 733) (GOLD). Master Chief Bolton qualified Enlisted Submarine Warfare, made five SSBN deterrent patrols and was the ships Sailor of the Year for 2004 and 2005.

 

In 2006, after checking out of his command, he was selected for Chief Petty Officer and expedited his PCS to serve as Staff Corpsman, Commander Submarine Forces. Upon his detachment in 2009, he was selected to Senior Chief. His next sea assignment was on the USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Gold) where he served as MDR and ACOB from 2009-2012. He reported for his next shore assignment as Senior Enlisted Leader, Naval Branch Health Clinic Naval Base San Diego followed by Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Surgical Services at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He was selected for Command Senior Chief in February 2016 and reported to PRECOM LCS Crew 210. In May 2016, he was promoted to Master Chief and thereafter commissioned the USS GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS-10). Master Chief Bolton served as CMC of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton from April 2018-August 2020 and CMC Naval Medical Center San Diego from August 2020-May 2022.

 

Master Chief Bolton assumed the duties of Command Master Chief 1st Marine Division in June 2022.

 

Master Chief Bolton is a graduate of Senior Enlisted Academy class 182 and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat class 155. Master Chief Bolton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Trident University International. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), Good Conduct Medal (8 awards) and various unit and campaign awards.

 
1st Marine Division