Master Chief Ortega provides direction for the enlisted Sailors in his charge and serves as a personal adviser to the Commanding Officer, Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific on all issues regarding the training of warships and the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progression of his Sailors.  He was born and raised in Norwalk, California and joined the U. S. Navy in 1987. 

Master Chief’s first duty assignment was onboard USS Rathburne (FF 1057) and other assignments have included Fleet Training Group Pearl Harbor, USS Fletcher (DD 992), Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, USS Port Royal (CG 73) and currently assigned to Commander Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific. 

Master Chief Ortega has completed six deployments to the 5^th Fleet and 7^th Fleet AORs in support of national tasking.  He served as Leading Chief Petty Officer onboard USS Fletcher (DD 992) in which he supported “OPERATION Desert Fox” and United Nations sanctions against Iraq.  Onboard USS Port Royal (CG 73) he served as Command Master Chief and Operations Department Leading Chief Petty Officer which included two deployments in support of “OPERATION Iraqi Freedom” and “OPERATION Enduring Freedom”.  His visionary leadership and deck-plate mentoring during those ten years on both warships ensured the awarding of four Battle “E” Awards, the Spokane Trophy and numerous other unit citations and awards. 

Master Chief Ortega is a graduate of the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 102 and entitled to wear the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (six awards), Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and both Global War on Terrorism Medals, numerous command awards and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin.  

Master Chief Ortega is a community steward and a positive role model embedded in his community and serves as a Pop Warner Football, Little League and Pony Baseball Coach.  He is married to the former Kristy Harrington of Sandy, Utah.  They have two children Courtney (11) and Chad (7) and reside in Waipahu, Hawaii.