Command Master Chief Shaun L. Kestner is a native of Kingsport, Tennessee. He enlisted into the United States Navy in 2003 and attended basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. 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.
Master Chief Kestner’s sea assignments include 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. 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Miramar, California where he served as the Navy Senior Enlisted Leader of Marine Aircraft Group 11, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, and Marine Air Control Group 38. 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.
His shore assignments include Navy Medicine Professional Development Center in Bethesda, Maryland and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Rota, Spain
Master Chief Kestner was selected for the Command Senior Enlisted Leader 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.
CMDCM 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. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from King College in 2001 and his Master of Science in Project Management from The Citadel in 2023. 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.