Command Master Chief H. Trenton Schmidt is a native of Greeley, Colorado. He entered the Navy through the Delayed Entry Program and arrived for basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL in June 1992. Following Recruit Training, he reported to his first command USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) as an Undesignated Airman advancing to Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handler) Third Class during this tour.
His additional sea duty assignments include USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ashore he was assigned to Naval Technical Training Unit, Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi where he served as Navy Military Course Supervisor and Department Head.
In 2011, he was selected to the Command Master Chief program. Command Master Chief assignments include USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, Commander, Carrier Strike Group THREE, and Force Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Command Master Chief Schmidt reported as the Command Master Chief for Commander, U. S. THIRD Fleet in August 2022, where he currently serves.
He is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 150), the Command Master Chief Capstone Course (Class 86), and the National Defense University Keystone Course.