Fleet Master Chief Derrick A. Walters spent a majority of his childhood growing up in NYC but then moved to western PA and was a 1987 graduate of Johnstown Vo-Tech H.S. In August 1987 he enlisted in the Navy and attended boot camp at Naval Recruit Training Center, Orlando, FL. Upon completion of recruit training and Intelligence Specialist "A" school, Fleet Master Chief Walters entered the UDT/SEAL pipeline and successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL Training, Class 154 in October 1988.

His previous duty stations include a tour of duty at SEAL Team EIGHT, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO, SEAL Team TWO, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Training Detachment, a repeat tour at SEAL Team TWO as the Operations Master Chief then Command Master Chief, a repeat tour at Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Training Detachment as the Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Master Chief for Naval Special Warfare Center, Coronado CA, Command Senior Enlisted Leader for NATO Special Operations HQ, Mons, Belgium, Force Master Chief for Naval Special Warfare Command, Coronado CA, Fleet Master Chief for Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa, and currently the Fleet Master Chief for United States Central Command
Academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree (Cum Laude) in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College; Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education; Navy Senior Enlisted Academy graduate and City of Newport Academic Excellence Award recipient; Command Master Chief Course graduate; and the National Defense University Keystone course graduate.

Derrick’s qualifications include Static Line Jumpmaster, Naval Special Warfare Dive Supervisor, Naval Special Warfare Sniper, Military Free Fall parachutist, Open and Closed-Circuit Diver, Small Arms Instructor, Range Officer In-Charge, Emergency Medical Technician, U. S. Army Protective Services graduate, Naval Special Warfare Communicator, U.S. Army CBR Instructor, and Helicopter Rope Suspension Trainer.

His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (one w/Valor Device), Army Commendation Medal, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, ten Good Conduct Medals, Expert Rifle and Pistol Medals, and various unit and campaign awards