YNCS(SW/AW) Kenyatter D. Ballard, USN Commander Strike Force Training Pacific

A native of Lorman, Mississippi, Senior Chief Ballard enlisted in the Navy as an undesignated Airman via the delayed entry program prior to graduating from Jefferson County High School in May 1995. He attended Basic Training, and Airman Apprenticeship Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois.

In September 1995, Senior Chief Ballard reported onboard the Kitty Hawk-class super-carrier, USS AMERICA (CV 66), home ported in Norfolk, Virginia for her final deployment. During this deployment, AMERICA directly participated in Operation DENY FLIGHT, and Operation DELIBERATE FORCE in support of U.N. and NATO interest; provided direct support to Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq, and supported the NATO Implementation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR prior to decommissioning in August 1996.

Upon transfer in September 1996, Senior Chief Ballard reported to Yeoman “A” School located at Naval Technical Training Center, Meridian, Mississippi. After completing Yeoman “A” School and earning his crossed quills, he reported to Mobile Mine Assembly Unit ONE, in Seal Beach, California. During his tour he advanced to the rank of Third Class Petty Officer.

After serving two years onboard Mobile Mine Assembly Unit ONE, Senior Chief Ballard transferred to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE, in Oak Harbor, Washington in March 1999. During this tour he advanced to the rank of Second Class Petty Officer and earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification.

In November 2001, Senior Chief Ballard reported for duty to the Center for Naval Leadership Learning Site, Coronado, California. During his tour he successfully completed the Yeoman Flagwriter “C” School, advanced to the rank of First Class Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer.

On 1 December 2005, Senior Chief Ballard reported to the Precommissioning Crew of the USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). During this tour he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, graduated from the Department of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, and advanced to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

Upon completing a successful tour of duty as Ship’s Secretary, he departed USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) and reported to U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan in September 2010. During this tour, U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa supported numerous SEVENTH Fleet missions and served as the centralized hub for SEVENTH Fleet assets during humanitarian aid in direct support of Operation TOMODACHI. During this tour he was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal and completed his Associates Degree in General Studies.

In September 2013, Senior Chief Ballard reported to the staff of Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific as the Assistant Flag Secretary. Shortly after reporting, he was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program, and completed Command Leadership School, Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course.

Senior Chief Ballard’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four); the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five), the Good Conduct Medal (six), and various service and campaign awards.