Master Chief Leppert, a native of Binghamton, New York, grew up in Newport, North Carolina, enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1989. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Chicago, Illinois he reported to Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois where he completed Fire Controlman “A” school.
Upon graduation, Master Chief Leppert reported to his first ship, USS VULCAN (AR 5), homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. He then attended Close in Weapons System “C” school in Dam Neck, Virginia. Upon completion of training, Master Chief Leppert reported to USS SEATTLE (AOE 3), homeported in Earle, New Jersey. Subsequent tours of duty include: Law Enforcement duties in Key West, Florida; Tomahawk “C” school in Dam Neck, Virginia; USS MCFAUL (DDG 74), Norfolk, Virginia; USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58), Mayport, Florida; Counter Rocket and Mortar Joint Intercept Battery, Baghdad, Iraq; Instructor Duty and Senior Enlisted Leader at Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Command Master Chief for VFA-154 (Black Knights), Lemoore, California, Command Master Chief of USS CHOSIN (CG 65), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Command Master Chief, NCTAMS PAC, Wahiawa, HI. Command Master Chief, NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA, 3d Marine Division, Camp Courtney, Okinawa Japan. Master Chief Leppert is currently serving as the Command Master Chief for III Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan.
Master Chief Leppert is a graduate of Wayland Baptist University and Hawaii Pacific University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management and an Associate’s degree in Supervisory Leadership. A graduate of the Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 153 Gold, and the Navy's Command Master Chief course. He is qualified Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and Afloat Training Specialist.
His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (eight awards), Good Conduct Medal (10 awards), and various unit and service awards.