Master Chief Montello is a native of El Campo, TX. He enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1999 and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. He then completed Naval Nuclear training in Charleston, SC, where he remained as a Junior Staff Instructor following graduation.
He reported in July 2003 to USS Louisville (SSN 724), Pearl Harbor, HI as a member of Electrical Division. Following his promotion to First Class Petty Officer, he was selected to be the Electrical Division Leading Petty Officer. He completed one Western Pacific Deployment, three Eastern Pacific Deployments, and one Rim of the Pacific Deployment while on board. During his tour, he was selected as the 2004 USS Louisville Sailor of the Year.
In November 2005, he was hand-selected by Commander, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, for duty on Submarine NR-1, Groton, CT. After reporting, he filled several billets throughout his tour including Sonar Officer, Interior Communications and Digital Systems Officer, Electronics Material Officer, and Chief of the Boat. While attached, he graduated from Naval Diving and Salvage Training Command in Panama City Beach, FL, completed a Central Atlantic Deployment, a Gulf of Mexico Deployment, several Eastern Atlantic missions, and a change of homeport to Portsmouth, NH where he completed the inactivation of Submarine NR-1.
In September 2009, he reported to the staff of Submarine Squadron 6 as the Electrical Assistant. After graduating from the Engineering Department Master Chief course in October of 2011, he reported to USS NORFOLK (SSN 714) where he served as Engineering Department Master Chief and completed two Central Command deployments. While onboard, he received the 2014 Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood Award for Submarine Professional Excellence. He transferred to Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic in November of 2014 where he served as the Submarine Force Electrician. During his tour, he attended the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy where he graduated from Active Duty Class 191.
In December 2015, he was selected by the Director of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy to report as the first nuclear-trained Faculty Advisor. Following his initial qualification period, he was selected as the Lead Faculty Advisor and Course Director, providing a quality leadership education in a professional setting to over 3,300 Senior Enlisted Leaders from all U.S. Military branches as well as international partner militaries.
In January 2019, he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command where he served as the Nuclear Power School Master Chief, then stood up the Sailor Development Group. He reported onboard NPTU Charleston as the Command Master Chief in February 2022.
Master Chief Montello holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston.
Master Chief Montello’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (Two Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Five Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Four Awards), Good Conduct Medal (Six Awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards. Master Chief Montello resides in Moncks Corner, SC.