Naval Science Instructor

Senior Chief Petty Officer John F. Silva, USN (Ret)

Senior Chief Petty Officer John F. Silva was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Colombia, where he lived until his high school graduation. After returning to the United States, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician and reported to Recruit Training in March 2002. Upon completing his technical training, Senior Chief Silva was assigned to his first command in Oceana, Virginia, where he served as an F-18 Super Hornet Intermediate Avionics Technician. In April 2005, he transferred to Lemoore, California, and deployed aboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Additionally, he made consecutive deployments in 2007 and 2008 with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron in Iwakuni, Japan.

In April 2009, Senior Chief Silva reported to San Diego, California, where he served as a Radar Altimeter Intermediate Maintenance Instructor. During this time, he earned his Master Training Specialist (MTS) qualification. In November 2012, he transferred to the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in Yokosuka, Japan, where he served as the Aviation Maintenance Leading Petty Officer and Safety Department Manager. In August 2015, he was assigned to the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76) as the Aviation Maintenance Department Human Resources Manager. In March 2017, Senior Chief Silva reported to Navy Recruiting District Miami, where he served as a Military Recruiter. Later that year, he was selected for promotion to Chief Petty Officer and assumed the responsibilities of Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program Coordinator for Miami, Tampa, and Puerto Rico. In November 2020, he reported to the USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN-78), where he played a crucial role in qualifying the ship as battle-ready.

Senior Chief Silva holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University. His military awards and decorations include two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, five Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous unit and campaign awards.