Command Master Chief Shelly Foster assumed duties as the Reserve Command Master Chief for the Coast Guard Pacific Area in June 2026. In this senior leadership role, she serves as the primary advisor to the Pacific Area Commander on all matters concerning the health, welfare, and professional development of the enlisted workforce and their families.
The Coast Guard's Pacific Area (PACAREA) has an area of operations that encompasses over 74 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, stretching from the U.S. West Coast to Asia and from the Arctic to Antarctica.
A native of Southern California, Master Chief Foster enlisted in the Coast Guard in March 1999. Following basic training, her assignments have included: Integrated Support Command Alameda; Health Services Technician "A" School; Coast Guard Cutters NORTHLAND and WAESCHE; Training Center Petaluma as an Independent Duty Health Services "C" School Instructor; Base Miami Beach; Port Security Unit 313; Command Master Chief at Sector Columbia River; and Reserve Command Master Chief for the Southwest District.
Master Chief Foster holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education from the University of Washington, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Thomas Edison State University, and an Associate's Degree in Nursing from Broward College. She is a distinguished graduate of the Chief Petty Officer’s Academy (Class R-XLII), the Senior Enlisted Leadership Course (Class XCIV), and the Surface Forces Independent Duty Corpsman "C" School.
Her personal awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, seven Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the CPOACAD Altus Tendo award and she is also authorized to wear the Port Security Unit insignia.
In her civilian capacity, Master Chief Foster is the Emergency Department Clinical Educator for Providence Medical Center in Everett, Washington.