Master Chief Michael E. Hvozda

Command Master Chief, USCG Sector San Juan

Master Chief Hvozda reported aboard Sector San Juan in June 2021, where he serves as the Silver Badge Command Master Chief, advising the Sector Commander regarding issues, policies, and initiatives pertaining to Coast Guard personnel and their families assigned to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most recently Master Chief Hvozda served as the Rating Force Master Chief and Rating Knowledge Manager for the Public Affairs rating.

Master Chief Hvozda’s previous assignments include Coast Guard Liaison Officer at the Defense Media Activity at Fort Meade, Md.; Chief of the Multimedia Division and Editor-in-Chief of Coast Guard Magazine for the  Office of Public Affairs at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC; Assistant Public Affairs Officer at Fifth District in Portsmouth, Va.; Assistant Coast Guard Liaison and Intermediate Photojournalism Course Instructor at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Md.; Public Affairs staff at Public Affairs Detachment New York in New York City from February 2001 to summer 2005; and the USCGC Cowslip (WLB-277).

Before joining the Coast Guard in November 1998, Master Chief Hvozda studied at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. While earning his degree, he concentrated in photography and ceramics and took part in a two-semester exchange to L’Universite de Haute-Alsace in Mulhouse, France. He graduated in May of 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Master Chief Hvozda is a graduate of the Chief Petty Officer’s Academy and the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course.

Master Chief Hvozda’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medals, the Department of Transportation 9-11 Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medals, and Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbons. His other awards include Good Conduct Medals and various other unit awards.