Naval Science Instructor

CWO-5 Fernandez was born in Newark, NJ March 3rd 1965 and raised in Miami, FL. He graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1983 and enlisted in the Marine Corps’ Delayed Entry Program during October 1983. He reported to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC on 19 November 1983. Upon completion of recruit training, he reported to Marine Combat Service Support Schools Camp Johnson, NC where he attended the Unit Diary Course and attained the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0131, Unit Diary Clerk.

Upon his graduation from the Personnel Administration Course in April 1984, he was assigned to his first duty station with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC as a unit diary clerk. During this tour, he deployed on board the USS Nassau in support of exercise Universal Trek and Solid Shield 85, which took place in Honduras and off the coast of Camp Lejeune NC respectively.

In May 1985, he received orders to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay HI where he was assigned as a Unit Diary Clerk. During this tour, he was also assigned as the Unit Mailroom NCO. He was promoted to Corporal and reenlisted in 1987. During this time, he met and married his “Blue Eyes” Laura Lee West on 16 October 1986.

In July 1989, he received orders to Marine Corps Security Force Company Keflavik Iceland where he was assigned as a Unit Diary Clerk and the Classified Materials Control NCO. He also volunteered to be the Company Color Sergeant performing in several events to include joint details for visiting dignitaries. During this tour, he participated in a joint exercise in support of the ground defense of Iceland. In July of 1991 he was promoted to Sergeant and volunteered for Drill Instructor Duty.

In October 1991 Sergeant Fernandez reported to Drill Instructor School Parris Island SC (class 1-92) and graduated during December. In January he reported to Hotel Company 2d Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. During this tour he also served as a Close Combat Instructor with Headquarters and Service Battalion.

In January 1994, Sgt Fernandez was transferred to Marine Fighter Attach Squadron 214, the “Blacksheep” squadron, where he served as a Personnel Chief. During this tour he received high marks during a Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Team Inspection. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in December 1996. During his assignment he participated in exercise Red Flag at Nellis AFB NV.

In January 1997, Staff Sergeant Fernandez was assigned to Enlisted Aviation Maintenance Trainee Management Unit NAS Pensacola FL where he served as an Admin Chief in the classification and assignment of enlisted aviation maintainers. On February 1st 1999, he was promoted to Warrant Officer and transferred to The Basic School Quantico, VA. Upon completion of The Basic School, Warrant Officer Fernandez was transferred to MCSSS Camp Johnson for the Personnel Officer course.

In August on 1999, Warrant Officer Fernandez reported to Second Battalion, Eighth Marines (America’s Battalion), Camp Lejeune NC and assigned as the Battalion Personnel Officer. In August 2011 he was reassigned to Headquarters Battalion 2d Marine Division. During this assignment he was an integral part of the stand up of the 2d Marine Division Personnel Administrative Center where he headed up the Unit Deployment Section. In August 2002, CWO2 Fernandez was attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit CE and assigned as the MEU Personnel Officer. In March of 2003, the 26th MEU set sail and he participated in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Joint Task Force Liberia. During this deployment he was promoted to CWO3. Upon return from deployment, CWO3 Fernandez was detached and return to the Division Personnel Administration Center where he assumed the duties of the Legal Officer.

In September 2004, he was assigned to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL where he was assigned as the Deputy Director of the Personnel Admin Center. In August 2006, he was promoted to CWO4.

In August 2007, he was transferred to 3d Marine Logistic Group Okinawa where he was assigned as the G-1 Operations Officer. In March of 2008 he was reassigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and assumed the duties of the Wing Personnel Officer.

In August 2008, CWO4 Fernandez returned to MATSG-21 Pensacola and assumed the duties of the Director, Personnel Administration Center. During this tour he was responsible for the coordination of a Commanding General’s Inspection and two Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Inspections in which the command received noteworthy results.

In August 2010 he was promoted to his present rank and was transferred to the II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon reporting to the II Marine Expeditionary Force, he was further assigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) G-1 as the Manpower Officer where he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from March 2011 to March 2012. Upon return from deployment, he remained with the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) as part of the bridging staff in preparation for the next OEF rotation.

In September 2012 he was reassigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and assumed the duties as the Manpower Officer. In May of 2013, he was reassigned to his current duties as the II Marine Expeditionary Force G-1 Manpower Officer.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two Gold Stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with two Gold Stars).

He is married to the former Laura Lee West and they have two boys, Robert and Nick.