Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Albert Acosta, a native of Alexandria, Virginia, enlisted in the United States Navy on July 13, 1998. He completed recruit training at RTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in September 1998, followed by Basic Seamanship Training. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Health Care Administration Concentration from Strayer University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and is currently pursuing a Master of Business in the same concentration at Liberty University.
Senior Chief Acosta's most recent assignment was as the Battalion Medical Chief for Combat Logistics Battalion 23 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. During this tour, he also held the roles of 4th Marine Logistics Group Command Career Counselor and Sailor Recognition Program Coordinator.
His operational assignments include Kosovo Campaign Operations on board the USS Kearsarge, where he had the notable role of being one of only two Master Helmsmen and was the first E-3 or below in the ship's history to qualify for the position. He also completed deployments on the USNS Comfort in support of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and the Baltic Challenge. He has participated in multiple OCONUS Exercises, including UNITAS Brazil 2015 and UNITAS Peru 2017. During Saber Strike 18, a joint NATO operation in the Baltic Region, he served in a key role as a convoy commander in the Lithuania region. Additionally, he served as the Ground Combat Element Medical lead during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX-21).
His key assignments outside the operating forces include service as the Inspector-Instructor Medical Chief with Rifle Company Echo, 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines, where he also coordinated the FY21 Toys for Tots program for the California Bay Area. During a mobilization to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he was selected as the Leading Petty Officer for a high-value detainee facility, Camp VII. As a student at Field Medical Training Battalion West, he was assigned the billet of Platoon Sergeant for 1st Platoon. His early shore and reserve duty included service at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, and with the Operational Hospital Support Unit at Camp Lejeune.
He is a graduate of numerous professional military education programs, including the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Field Medical Technician, Tactical Casualty Care Instructor, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Instructor, Command Fitness Leader, Anti-Terrorism Officer Level II, Chief Petty Officer Leadership Development Instructor, and Command Career Counselor.
His personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with four gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He is qualified as an Enlisted Surface and Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist.
Senior Chief Acosta is married to his high school sweetheart and is the proud father of three sons and two daughters. Two of his sons are currently serving in the United States Navy and Air Force. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his family, sightseeing, hiking, working out, and giving back to his community through his church’s charity events.