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Knoxville Navy Ball 2016
CMDCM(AW) James “Big Jim” Barlow, USN (RET)
Administrative Assistant II, Vanderbilt University Naval ROTC
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Master Chief Barlow is a native of Lebanon, Tennessee. He enlisted in the United States Navy in December 1988, attended Recruit Training in San Diego, CA in April 1989 followed by Aviation Electronic Technician (AT) "A" school and Metrology and Calibration(METCAL) Technician "C" school.
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Following METCAL school he reported to Reserve Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (RAIMD), Naval Air Station New Orleans, LA. He converted to Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS) via the ENCORE program, achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and earned his EAWS wings. Upon completion of this tour, he transferred to RAIMD South Weymouth, MA. In 1996 he returned to NAS JRB New Orleans serving aboard RAIMD where he achieved the rank of First Class Petty Officer. He transferred to VR-54 in spring 2000 and shortly after arrival was selected for Chief Petty Officer. In June 2003 he expanded his platform knowledge with a transfer to VFA-204 to become the Line Division and later the Quality Assurance Leading Chief. In December 2004 he transferred to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West Site Fort Worth aboard NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX and served as the AIRSPEED and Production Control Chief. During his tenure he was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer.
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CMDCM(AW) James “Big Jim” Barlow, USN (RET)
Administrative Assistant II, Vanderbilt University Naval ROTC
His next assignment was as the Reserve Support Equipment Manager for Commander, Naval Air Forces Reserve in New Orleans, LA and he was instrumental during the homeport change to Norfolk, VA. Shortly after getting settled into the new building he was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program. In July 2011 he reported to VFC-12 as the Maintenance Control Senior Chief Petty Officer and while there was promoted to Master Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician. Upon completion of the Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Course in July 2012, he returned to VFC-12 as the Command Master Chief. August 2014 he reported to Navy Region South East, RCC Fort Worth as the Command Master Chief to aid in the set-up of the new command and new region for 20 NOSCs located in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. He retired from the Navy on July 23, 2016 and immediately started his new position at Vanderbilt University serving as the Executive Assistant to the Commanding Officer at the NROTC unit.
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He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Command Leadership School and MCPONs Executive Leadership Symposium. Master Chief holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and History from Columbia College and graduate credit in Military History from American Military University.
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Master Chief Barlow's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various other campaign and unit awards.