Command Master Chief Parker is a native of Richardson, Texas. She went to bootcamp in October 1995 at Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of basic training, she attended Electronic Warfare "A" and “C” schools in Pensacola, FL. Her first duty assignment was the Pre-Commissioning unit for the USS Bridge (AOE 10) stationed in Bremerton, WA. The BRIDGE commissioned at the Seattle Sea fair in 1998. While onboard AOE-10, she completed a WESTPAC, earned Golden Shellback and her Enlisted Surface Warfare qualification. Her next tour was at the Naval Post Graduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA where she taught basic EW to U.S. Navy and foreign officers. While at NPS she advanced to First Class. She left NPS and joined the Commissioning Crew for USS New Orleans (LPD 18). She was advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 2005 and moved to the commissioning crew for USS Sampson (DDG 102) stationed in San Diego, CA.
During her tour on SAMPSON, she graduated from the Combat Systems Senior Enlisted course and was hand selected to support the U.S. and South Korean joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian, an exercise designed to employ the capabilities needed to protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula. In 2009, she graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 145, Green Group, and transferred to NATO Maritime Component Command, Northwood England where she served as the Assistant Information Operations Officer and Signals Intelligence Officer. Her efforts provided invaluable intelligence in support of Counter-Piracy operations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
In 2012, she transferred to Commander Carrier Strike Group Ten as the Assistant Electronic Warfare (EW) Officer (EWO), where she deployed to 5th Fleet aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). While on deployment, she earned her Enlisted Aviation and Information Warfare Specialist qualifications. In 2014, she was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer and transferred to USS Stockdale (DDG 106) stationed in San Diego, CA. While onboard, she earned her Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator qualification and played a critical role in the establishment and testing of pre-planned responses and tactics, techniques, and procedures for over-the-horizon missile engagements. She deployed with Carrier Strike Group Three to 7th Fleet.
In 2016, she transferred to Afloat Training Group Pacific, San Diego, CA where she served as the EW, Cryptology (CRY) and Intelligence Subject Matter Expert. She played a pivotal role in the EW and CRY mission area turnover from SURFOR to NAVIFOR. In 2018 she was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer and transferred to Third Fleet where she served as the Fleet EWO, leading the advancement of Information Warfare capabilities at the operational level of warfare. During her tour, she graduated from the Maritime Staff Operators Course and earned her B.A. in General Studies. She was selected for the Command Master Chief program in 2020. In March of 2021, she assumed duties as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE THREE SEVEN (VFA 137) Command Master Chief, where she completed a successful work-up cycle and 7th Fleet deployment.
In 2023, she was selected to be the first female CMC for the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
CMC Parker’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit and campaign awards. She is qualified to wear the Enlisted Air Warfare, Surface Warfare, and Information Warfare Specialist pins.
She is married to FCCM (ret.) Edward Gallagher and they reside in Washington, D.C.
Last Updated: 30 October 2023