Information Technician Master Chief Stephen O. Wheeler Jr. is a native of Mt. Holly, New Jersey, and graduated from Buena High School May 1999 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He reported to Recruit Training Great Lakes in December 2000 and graduated IT “A” school in Great Lakes, Illinois in June 2001. He currently has been assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at Joint Force Headquarters Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN).
Throughout his career, he has served in various duty stations around the world to include: USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79) Norfolk, Virginia; Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) Norfolk, Virginia; Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Far East, Diego Garcia; NCTS San Diego, California; GSA/IA at NCTS det Djibouti, Africa; Task Force 57 (CTF 57), Manama, Bahrain; COMCARSTRKGRU 5 (CTF 70) Yokosuka, Japan; NCTAMS LANT det Souda Bay, Greece; NATO Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence (CJOS COE) Norfolk, Virginia; USS AMERICA (LHA 6) San Diego, California / Sasebo, Japan, and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN76) Yokosuka, Japan. During his tours, he was selected as Blue Jacket of the Quarter (DDG 79); Junior Sailor of the Quarter (NMCI and NCTS DG); Sailor of the Month (NCTD DJ); Sailor of the Quarter, and Sailor of the Year (CTF 57, CPRF Fifth and Seventh Fleet). He competed and was selected for the Advance to Position (A2P) to serve onboard USS RONALD REAGAN as Combat Systems DLCPO. During his tenure, he was officially advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer.
He graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy (Green 193), and earned an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Saint Leo University. He continued the educational path and earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science Management from University of Phoenix. He certified Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Security Plus, and has earned United Services Military Apprenticeship Programs (USMAP) in Internetworking Technician, Computer Peripheral-Equipment Operator, Electronics Mechanic, Computer Programmer, and Electronics Tester. He also certified in International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) Champion and Yellow Belts.
His insignias include Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (8 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (3 awards), Flag Letter of Commendations (4), Letter of Commendations (10), and numerous unit citations and campaign awards.