CMDCM(SS) James McGarrah

Command Master Chief, Submarine Development Squadron FIVE

Master Chief James McGarrah is a native of New York and he graduated from high school in Warrensburg, New York in 1999. He joined the United States Navy on 21 July 1999 and attended Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, and submarine training and Sonar Technician “A” School in Groton, Connecticut.

His early sea tour included USS RHODE ISLAND (SSBN 740B), as a Sonar Technician where he advanced through First Class Petty Officer. He advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 2008 while attached to Naval Submarine School, as the “A” School Divisional Leading Chief Petty Officer.

Master Chief McGarrah has served as the Combat Systems Department Enlisted Advisor onboard USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729G), and as Chief of the Boat on USS SANTA FE (SSN 763) and USS JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23). He conducted several SSGN AFRICOM and Mediterranean Deployments while on USS GEORGIA. A Western Pacific Deployment and change of homeport onboard USS SANTA FE. On USS JIMMY CARTER, the ship finished a 30 month Depot Modernization Period and conducted the entire deployment preparations period as well as an Undersea Research and Development Operations period.

His shore tours include Instructor duty at NAVSUBSCOL, Groton, CT and Commander Submarine Squadron Seven, Pearl Harbor, HI as the Staff Sonarmen. He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and the COB/CMC Course.

He most recently reported in July 2022 as Command Master Chief of Submarine Development Squadron Five.

Master Chief McGarrah is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), numerous unit awards.