Command Master Chief James Timmerman is a native of Michigan and enlisted in the U.S. Navy January 1997. After completing Recruit and Airman Training, he reported to the commissioning crew of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in October 1997, where he served as an aircraft director.
In July 2002, he reported to Great Lakes where he attended “A” School and converted from Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) to Hull Technician.
In March of 2003, he reported to USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3), serving as a general shipboard welder and work center supervisor. His follow-on leading petty officer tours as a non-nuclear high pressure welder include USS VELLA GULF (CG 72) and USS McFAUL (DDG 74). In January 2010, he reported to ASSAULT CRAFT UNIT FOUR where he was immediately selected to chief petty officer and served as the R-1 leading chief petty officer and assistant quality assurance officer until July 2013.
In September 2013, he reported to the commissioning crew of USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) where he was selected for senior chief during his tour and later the Command Senior Enlisted Leader Program in 2016.
His previous command master chief (CMC) assignments include TPU Puget Sound, USS BULKELEY (DDG 84), and USS WASP (LHD 1). Master Chief Timmerman assumed his current duties as the CMC of PEO SHIPS in January 2024.
He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 175 (Gold), and the CMC/COB Course. He is qualified in Enlisted Surface Warfare and Enlisted Aviation Warfare.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit and campaign awards.