Command Master Chief Ray Prell assumed duties as Command Master Chief of the Coast Guard East District on June 22, 2026. Serving as the district commander's senior enlisted adviser, he guides workforce policy, daily operations, and total workforce development in support of Coast Guard missions across a 1.4 million-square-mile area of responsibility from South Carolina to New Jersey, representing nearly 3,000 personnel and 3,400 Auxiliary members.
Command Master Chief Prell serves as the link between the district commander and the field to accomplish operational objectives by cultivating a disciplined, inclusive command climate; translating command intent to the workforce while advocating for the needs of the field; and advancing Coast Guard initiatives through strong joint, interservice and interagency partnerships.
Before his current assignment, Command Master Chief Prell served as command senior enlisted leader at the Coast Guard National Strike Force in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Originally from Meridian, New York, Command Master Chief Prell enlisted in the Coast Guard in April 2003, graduating with Recruit Company Zulu-164.
His previous assignments include the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas; personnel and administration supervisor at Coast Guard Base Cleveland in Cleveland; assistant servicing personnel office supervisor at Coast Guard Base Cleveland; command cadre yeoman at the Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland; Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts; Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Boston and USCGC SPENCER in Boston.
Command Master Chief Prell is a graduate of Chief Petty Officer Academy Class 258, Sergeants Major Course Class 73 and Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course Class 103. He is also a National Defense University Keystone 26-2 Fellow.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies from American Military University and a Bachelor of Arts in leadership and workforce development from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals and four Coast Guard Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbons.