St. John’s Northwestern Alumnus CMDCM Blake G. Schimmel Retires After 35 Years of Distinguished Naval Service
DELAFIELD, Wis. – St. John’s Northwestern proudly recognizes Command Master Chief Blake G. Schimmel, Class of 1989, as he retires from the United States Navy after an extraordinary 35 years of service marked by leadership, integrity, and operational excellence.
A native of Wheaton, Illinois, Master Chief Schimmel graduated from St. John’s Military Academy before enlisting in the Navy in 1990. He completed basic training in Orlando along with Electronics Technician A and C Schools, Naval Special Warfare Combat Crewman School, the Special Operations Radio Operators Course, and the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course. His career included fourteen deployments across PACOM, CENTCOM, and SOUTHCOM while serving aboard USNS SPICA, Special Boat Unit Twelve as a SWCC, and USS JOHN L. HALL. His shore assignments took him to Special Boat Team Twelve, NATO’s Air Component Headquarters in Izmir, United States Naval Forces Central Command, and the Joint Communications Unit at Fort Bragg where he deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
His Command Master Chief assignments included Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Blue Angels, USS CARL VINSON, and Task Force SEVEN ZERO. He concludes his distinguished career as the Command Master Chief for Naval Sea Systems Command. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Training Development from Southern Illinois University and completion of the Senior Enlisted Academy, the Command Master Chief and Chief of the Boat Course, and the Navy Senior Leader Seminar. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards.
Reflecting on the arc of his Navy career, Master Chief Schimmel shared that he takes pride in several moments of service, including his years in Special Operations and his time as Senior Enlisted Leader for the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team. “However, the tour I am most proud of was serving as the Command Master Chief of one of our Navy’s ten nuclear powered aircraft carriers. Leading and managing 5,000 Sailors at sea was both the most challenging and the most rewarding responsibility of my career.”
He also credited St. John’s Northwestern with shaping the foundation of leadership he carried throughout his service. “I am grateful for my four years at St. John’s Northwestern. The academy instilled in me discipline and a strong ‘work hard, play hard, pray hard’ mentality that served me well throughout my military career. It also gave me early exposure to working alongside people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, an experience that proved invaluable in the Fleet.”
He noted that several guiding principles first took root at St. John’s Northwestern. “Several leadership principles that guided me throughout my career, teamwork, attitude, and effort, were instilled in me during my time at St. John’s Northwestern. Because these fundamentals were foundational to my education, the academy helped build the leadership base I later relied on to lead large, complex organizations in the Navy.”
As he retires, Master Chief Schimmel expressed unwavering confidence in the generations who will follow him. “I am consistently impressed by the younger generations. As I retire, I do so with complete confidence in the future. I’ve watched our military evolve into a highly professional, exceptionally technical fighting force. I’ve seen firsthand the grit, intelligence, character, and drive of the generations coming up behind us. The future of the U.S. Military is bright, brighter than ever.”
He also shared advice for today’s students at St. John’s Northwestern who are beginning to shape their own paths. “I never planned on making the Navy a career, but I was fortunate to spend 35 years doing a job I loved. Whether or not someone chooses military service is irrelevant, although the Navy treated me well as a Master Chief. I believe what matters most in life is striving to become the best version of yourself and maintaining a consistent drive for improvement. Life is less about financial gain and more about friendships, shared experiences, and meaningful work. Be open to new opportunities, invest in your friendships, and always work as part of a team. No one succeeds alone, so surround yourself with good people.”
St. John’s Northwestern President Robert J. Fine Jr. praised Master Chief Schimmel’s career and legacy, noting, “Master Chief Schimmel represents the very best of St. John’s Northwestern. His service across Special Operations, Naval Aviation, and Command leadership reflects the character, discipline, and commitment to excellence that we strive to build in every student. His example will continue to inspire young men and women who walk the same halls today. We are proud to call him an alumnus and grateful for the lasting impact of his leadership.”
Master Chief Schimmel shared publicly that his retirement ceremony marked “a lifetime of beautiful memories and friendships.” As he begins the next chapter of his life, the St. John’s Northwestern community celebrates his extraordinary career and thanks him for his steadfast service to our nation.
About SJN
St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs built with future aspirations in mind. St. John’s Northwestern is a private coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7 through 12 and post-graduate. Learn more at stjohnsnorthwestern.org.