Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/SW) Charito V. Cruz was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She migrated to the United States in November 1998, enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1999, and attended basic training at Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. She attended Hospital Corps “A” school in January 2000 at Naval School of Health Sciences Great Lakes graduating with “Honors”, followed by Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician “C” School in Aug 2000 at Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego, California graduating with “Honors and Distinction”.
Master Chief Cruz’s first duty assignment was onboard Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms as a Medical Laboratory Technician from 2001-2003. Upon completion of this tour, she reported to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton from 2003-2007. She attended the Field Medical Service School in 2007 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and upon graduation, was assigned to 1st Medical Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California.
During this tour, she was additionally assigned as the Leading Petty Officer to Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit where she deployed aboard USS BONHOMME RICHARD in support of WESTPAC 10-2. During this tour, Master Chief Cruz was selected as the I Marine Expeditionary Force Senior Sailor of the Year, CY 2009 and was qualified as Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist.
In July 2010, she reported to U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan and was selected as Chief Petty Officer and served as the Directorate for Clinical Support Services’ Leading Chief Petty Officer from 2010-2013. During this tour, she deployed to the Philippines as the Joint Blood Program Officer in support of the Philippine Bilateral Exercise (PHIBLEX 11-2).
Master Chief Cruz reported to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton for the second time as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for Information Management Department from 2013-2015. Upon completion of that tour, she reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (I MIG) and served as Leading Chief Petty Officer and later as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for I MIG and Navy Personnel Officer for I MEF NAVY G-1. She was additionally assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader and Medical Planner at 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and deployed in support of DAWN BLITZ aboard the USS ESSEX and RIMPAC 2018. She was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer in June 2018.
In Feb 2019, she reported to Naval Medical Center San Diego and was assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Medical Services and Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Command Suite. She was deployed as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Pacific Partnership 2020 aboard the USS COMSTOCK.
In March 2022, she reported to 3d Medical Battalion where she was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer and is currently serving as Command Master Chief.
Master Chief Cruz is a Dean’s List graduate of Senior Enlisted Academy class 197 (gray group). She received her Associates Degree in Health Sciences from George Washington University in 2002, her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences from Trident University (Magna Cum Laude) in 2009, and her Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from University of Maryland Global Campus in August 2021.
Her awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), Good Conduct Medal (7 awards) and various campaign, service, and unit awards.