Command Senior Chief (CMDCS) Shaun L. Kestner is a native of Kingsport, Tennessee. He graduated from Sullivan North High School in 1996 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from King College in 2001.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in March 2003 and reported to basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois in August 2003. Upon completion of basic training he was selected to serve in the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard, Washington DC. Serving as a Casket Bearer, he provided graveside military honors to over 1,500 Navy Veterans and their dependents as well as represented the United States Navy during Presidential, Joint Armed Services, Navy, and public ceremonies in the national capital region.
In November 2005 he attended Hospital Corpsman “A” School Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon graduation he reported to Field Medical Service School Camp Pendleton, California.
In July 2006, he reported for duty to 1st BN 3d Marines, 3d Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division Detachment Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. While serving with 1st BN 3d Marines he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) April to October 2007 and re-deployed in support of OIF in August 2008 through April 2009. Upon his return he served as the Leading Petty Officer (LPO) of the 3d Marine Regimental Aid Station.
In August 2010, he reported to Navy Medicine Professional Development Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He served as the LPO for the Directorate for Administration and the Directorate for Resources. Upon his selection to Chief Petty Officer he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Officer Programs Directorate.
In March 2014, he reported to 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Miramar, California and served as the Navy Senior Enlisted Leader of Marine Aircraft Group 11. He deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from April to December 2016, where he served as the Navy Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command.
In March 2018, he reported to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Rota, Spain and served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Administration and the Directorate for Resources Management.
Senior Chief Kestner was selected for the Command Senior Chief program in February 2021 and currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.
CMDCS Kestner is warfare qualified as an Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist, Ground Combat Element and Air Combat Element. He is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy class 209 (Gray) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat class 21070. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit and campaign awards.