NY Naval Militia Master Chief Petty Officer Charles Mach, a Galway resident, recognized for service
Latham, NY (05/07/2018) — New York Naval Militia Master Chief Charles Mach, a Galway resident, was awarded the New York State Medal for Meritorious Service during an April 27 awards ceremony at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters.
The award recognized Mach for his service as the Command Master Chief of the New York Naval Militia. He has served in the position since December 2014 and is expected to leave the position in June 2018.
The New York Naval Militia is composed of current Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserve members who have also agreed to serve on state active duty when called by the state of New York. They put the skills they've honed in federal military service to work for New York.
The Naval Militia also operates a fleet of nine patrol boats which respond to state emergencies, augment law enforcement agencies and support the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mach served in the Navy and Navy Reserve for 41 years after enlisting in 1977, and was a member of SEAL Team One. He retired from the Navy Reserve in 2013 as a Senior Chief.
Mach joined the New York Naval Militia in 1983. He has been part of the Naval Militia response to the North Country Ice Storm in 1998, post Sept. 11, 2001 security actions, and the Tropical Storms Lee and Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012.