CMDCM (EXW) Eric J. Zimmermann 

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF,

PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2026

Master Chief Petty Officer Eric J. Zimmermann is the Command Master Chief for Pacific Partnership 2026. In this role, he serves as principal enlisted advisor to the mission commodore on all matters affecting enlisted Sailors, to include readiness, manning, training, professional development, and command climate across four lines of effort and mission staff.

CMDCM Zimmermann enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 2006 and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Air Traffic Controller “A” school at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida. His first duty assignment was with the U.S. Military All-Star baseball team, representing the Navy for its 18th annual Red, White, and Blue tour. 

His operational experience includes deployments in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and INHERENT RESOLVE, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions such as Pacific Partnership. He has led multinational and joint teams integrating Navy Reserve air traffic control capabilities into amphibious, and expeditionary operations, directly contributing to combatant commander warfighting readiness and Indo-Pacific campaign objectives. 

CMDCM Zimmermann is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology, and has completed additional professional military education including Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education. He is qualified as a tactical craft coxswain and as an Expeditionary Warfare Specialist. 

CMDCM Zimmermann’s personal awards include the inaugural VADM John B. Mustin Contributions to Warfighting Award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards. 

In his civilian life, he serves as the Director of Communications for the National Chief Petty Officer Association, Navy Liaison for the USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee, Special Advisor to Navy League of the United States Anchorage Council #151, and as an Air Traffic Controller at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.