Capt. Cherie Taylor

MSC Central Commander

10 March 2025 Captain Cherie R. Taylor is a native of Brooklyn, New York and enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1988. After completing basic training at Recruit Training Command Orlando, Florida she attended Torpedoman’s Mate (TM) “A” and “C” school as a MK “48” Intermediate Maintenance Technician where she earned the 0749 Navy Enlisted Classification Code. In 1992, she reenlisted and accepted orders to the USS PUGET SOUND (AD-38) where she earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification (ESWS) and completed two deployments.

Additionally, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Saint Leo University. In December of 1998, she was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Hampton University and received her commission.

Her significant tours include: USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) as the Repair and Communications Officer, Amphibious Squadron EIGHT in the N-3 and N-4 shops, embarked onboard USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, she served as the 30th Company Officer at the Naval Academy. In 2009, she served as the Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer onboard USS BAINBRIDGE (DDG 96) during the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali Pirates. In 2011, she reported to Commander Carrier Strike Group EIGHT as Surface Operations Officer. In 2013, she accepted an assignment to USS PONCE AFSB(I)15, as the Combat Systems Officer and Executive Officer. In 2021, she completed her Executive Officer and Commanding Officer tour at Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron TWO. In 2024, she successfully completed her Deputy Commander tour at Naval Amphibious Forces Task Force 51 and 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade 51.5. In December 2024, she reported to Commander, Logistics Forces U.S. Naval Forces Central Command as the Commodore.

Captain Taylor holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Leadership Development, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Her awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four), Navy Achievement Medal (five), and various unit and campaign ribbons.