MCPO Christopher Ellis USCG (Ret.)

Master Chief Christopher (Chris) Ellis was born in Florence, South Carolina and raised in Lexington, South Carolina. In March 1990 (age 17), he enlisted into the United States Naval Reserve Delayed Entry Program (DEP). He graduated from Lexington High School, Lexington, S.C. June 1990 and enlisted intoactive duty one month and 14 days after graduation. July 17th 1990 he reported to Company 211with the United States Navy at Recruit Training Command, Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois for Basic Training.

In September 1990, Seaman Ellis reported to Naval Training Command (NTC) Great Lakes, Illinois for Gunners Mate (GM) “A” School. Upon completion of the 22 week Gunners Mate “A” School GMSN Ellis reported and completed the 24-week Mach (MK)10 Guided Missile Launcher school at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion he reported to his first duty station as Gunner’s Mate Missiles SN to the USS DALE (CG-19) a Guided Missile Cruiser at Mayport Naval Station (NS) Mayport, FL. It is here that GMM3 Chris Ellis would earn his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) insignia and later be retrained for a newer Missile system.

In 1994 after the USS DALE (CG-19) decommissioned, GMM2 (SW) Ellis transferred to Gunners Mate “C” school in Dam Neck, VA, for MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) training. After graduating from MK 41 VLS school, GMM2 (SW) reported to the USS SPRUANCE (DDG-963) a Guided Missile Destroyer out of Mayport, FL. Later he again transferred, this time to the USS MOOSBRUGGER (DD-980) SPRUANCE Class Destroyer in Mayport, FL. In April 1997 after fulfilling his five-year sea duty requirement GMM2 (SW) Ellis departed MayportNaval Station and reported to Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio, Texas for Navy Physical Security training. Upon competition he was assigned back to Mayport Naval Station Physical Security Office. Aftercompleting three years of Law Enforcement duties in Jul 2000 GMM2 (SW) Ellis had fulfilled his 10 yearEnlisted obligation with the US NAVY and decided to move into the civilian sector and tried his luck with employment in various trade elements for the next 2 years. 

After the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, the now Chris Ellis decided it was time to re-enter the service. In March 2002 he was now enlisted in the US Coast Guard and reported to US Coast Guard CutterMANITOU (CG-1302) a 110’ Patrol Vessel at Sector Miami Beach, FL. In January 2004 he advanced to GM1 and was transferred to Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) Camp LeJeune, NC. GM1 Ellis was responsible for instructing training on various small arms weapons systems, teaching Small Boat Tactical weapons engagement from the various US Coast Guard small craft vessels. He was also responsible for training personnel in the various weapons used on vessels assigned to the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) in Bahrain. 

April 2007, GM1 Ellis received orders to Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT-East) Chesapeake, VA. They are the Coast Guards tactical unit that specializes in maritime counter terrorism and high-risk law enforcement operations. GMC Ellis conducted Close Quarters Combat (CQC), Direct Action, Anti-Terrorism response training and certification as well as Precision Marksman qualification and training. In June 2009 he was re-positioned to manage the MSRTsArmory and oversee the 2nd largest Armory in the Coast Guard. 

January 2010 the US Coast Guard created their first Law Enforcement rating and GMC Ellis was advanced to Maritime Enforcement Specialist Senior Chief (MECS) and due to transfer. June 2010, MECS Ellis reported to Sector Miami, Miami, FL where he was the team leader for Sector Miami’s Vessel Boarding and Security Team (VBST). Responsible for inspecting Cargo and Container vessels entering from foreign countries to ensure safety and security of the cargo and personnel. In addition to these duties MECS Ellis was also responsible for the safe transit of the many Cruise ships entering and departing all of the South Floridan seaports. June 2013, MECS Ellis was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer and soon was due for another transfer.

In June 2018 Master Chief Ellis (MECM) reported to Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) South, as the Command Senior Law Enforcement advisor to the Command in Opa-Locka, FL. TACLET South is one of two units that specializes in Counter-Narcotics and deploys on US Navy and US Allied vessels to stop the illegal narcotics from entering the US Borders. In June 2018, MECM Ellis was selected as the Command Master Chief (CMC) for Base Miami Beach, Miami Beach, FL.

As the Command Master Chief (CMC) for Base Miami Beach, CMC Ellis was responsible for providing support for all operational units from Charleston, SC to Puerto Rico. His duties included personnel management and advisor to the command on all things relating to the enlisted workforce for Base Miami Beach. During his tour at Base Miami Beach CMC Ellis faced a variety of challenges ranging from service members suicide, Government shutdowns, and COVID-19 pandemic. 

In June 2021 MECM Ellis transferred to his final unit and took on the position as the IONSCAN coordinator, overseeing all training and certification at all units East of Texas. Master Chief Ellis retired on 01 September 2022 after completing 30 years of faithful service to our great nation. During his 30 years of military service, he has received numerous personal awards including, Meritorious Service Medal, threeCoast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Achievement Medals, two Navy/Marine CorpsAchievement Medals, seven Good Conduct Medals, and numerous other service awards.

Master Chief Ellis has earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree specializing in Organization Leadership from the University of Charleston West Virginia. He is married with three daughters and one granddaughter.