US Navy Command Master Chief Simba Wallace and his beloved wife Natalie Castro has sadly passed away. They died after a deadly accident on Wednesday 13th November 2024. They were confirmed dead through various publications made by loved ones. At the time this report was made, further information regarding the accident has not been revealed.
Command Master Chief Simba Wallace, a dedicated and accomplished leader, exemplifies the core values of the U.S. Navy. With a career spanning more than two decades, Wallace’s journey reflects a commitment to excellence, service, and leadership at every stage. From his humble beginnings in Camden and Willingboro, New Jersey, to his distinguished role as Command Master Chief of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, and raised in Willingboro, New Jersey, Wallace’s path to military service was shaped by his strong work ethic and sense of duty. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1995, a decision that would set the course for a remarkable career. After completing his Recruit Training at Great Lakes, Illinois, Wallace attended Hospital Corpsman “A” School in San Diego, California, where he began his journey in the Navy’s medical field.
Wallace’s passion for service and his desire to make a difference led him to re-enter the Navy in 2000, where he was selected to serve with the Second Marine Division, Second Marine Expeditionary Force as a general duty corpsman. His assignments with the Marines proved to be pivotal, as he completed three deployments with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines.
In 2006, Wallace’s career took another significant step forward when he was promoted to First Class Petty Officer. That same year, he completed an individual augment deployment to the Expeditionary Medical Facility in Kuwait. This experience not only broadened his medical expertise but also exposed him to the realities of deployment in a combat environment.
Wallace’s hard work and leadership were evident, and in 2011, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and transferred to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. This assignment, coupled with his previous experiences, laid the groundwork for his selection to Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2014.
After a brief assignment at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, Wallace’s next leadership challenge came in 2019, when he was selected as the Department Leading Chief Petty Officer aboard the USS *Harry S. Truman* (CVN 75). This marked a significant transition, as he moved from Marine-focused duties to a more broad-based naval role, managing a department on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Wallace’s rise to the pinnacle of Navy leadership came in 2021, when he was selected to Master Chief Petty Officer and served as the deputy to the Command Master Chief. His leadership and impact were undeniable, and in March 2022, he was selected to serve as the Command Master Chief of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, a prestigious position that put him at the forefront of leading and mentoring sailors on board the USS Harry S. Truman.
In his role as Command Master Chief, Wallace was responsible for the welfare, training, and professional development of the sailors under his command. His leadership style emphasized empowerment, mentorship, and the development of strong, capable teams. Under his guidance, VFA-211 achieved notable successes in operational readiness, cohesion, and morale, all while supporting the Navy’s mission in a complex and demanding environment.
Throughout his career, Wallace never lost sight of the importance of education and professional development. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Technology from Thomas Edison State College, further demonstrating his commitment to improving his expertise and capacity for leadership. Additionally, Wallace attended the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy and completed the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course, ensuring he was fully prepared for the highest levels of leadership in the Navy.
Good day,
My name is Charles McDew (USMC SgtMaj Retired). Simba and I shared two top areas in our lives. The love of our families, and keeping traditions of Staff None Commission Officer (SNCO’s ) no matter what branch you were in. Simba always had a smile on his face even when he is not so happy with you at that time.
Simba and I shared one major point in our lives and that’s love for our family.
He would always say to me with this smile “Gotta go pick up the kids”. He was so active in his family some times I had to guess do I need to adapt and do things like he did.
When I returned from Okinawa Simba was the president of the SNCO club on Camp Lejeune. For the love of or club, he and I sat down and discussed how can we keep the club open and staying in the green. He never had a power trip about nothing. Everything he did he did it was for the greater good and not a power trip. It was decided I would go back to being the president and he would be my vice president.
At the end of the day Simba served his family and he served this country to the highest. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. Rest in peace my brother.