Chief Master Sgt. Luis E. Negrón, National Command Chief

National Command Chief

Chief Master Sgt. Luis E. Negrón

Civil Air Patrol National Command Chief

Chief Master Sgt. Luis E. Negrón serves as Civil Air Patrol’s national command chief, leading and representing the organization’s 500-member Noncommissioned Officer Corps. Appointed by Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye in August 2025, he serves as a senior advisor to the national commander, providing perspective on mission effectiveness, professional development, and the integration of military-proven leadership principles into CAP’s civilian volunteer environment. Guided by the CAP Core Values and the “Four Pillars” of the NCO program — Leading, Developing, Communicating, and Supporting — Negrón works to strengthen unit cohesion, elevate training standards, and ensure that every member has the tools to succeed.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Negrón began his CAP journey in 1989 in the Puerto Nuevo Cadet Squadron, earning the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award. Returning as an adult member in 1996, he went on to hold leadership roles at every echelon of the organization, including squadron commander, group commander in both the Puerto Rico and Florida wings, homeland security and emergency services director, wing chief of staff, and deputy commander and commander of the Florida Wing. In January 2025, he became Southeast Region command chief, advising the region commander on the leadership and utilization of more than 10,000 members. His CAP honors include the Distinguished Service Award, two Exceptional Service Awards, two Meritorious Service Awards, and multiple Commanders’ Commendations. He is a graduate of the Southeast Region Staff College and a recipient of the Gill Robb Wilson Award.

Negrón’s combined 29 years of military service include seven years in the U.S. Army and 22 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. His Army career began in 1990, with assignments including the 22nd Area Support Group; Southern European Task Force in Vicenza, Italy; and the 369th Combat Support Hospital in Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. In 1997, he enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he rose to the rank of senior chief operations specialist — an achievement attained by only 2% of the enlisted force. Over his Coast Guard career, he led more than 13,000 search-and-rescue and law enforcement missions, credited with saving 6,471 lives and seizing over 37,000 kilograms of illegal drugs. His personal decorations include three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and numerous team and unit awards. He is a graduate of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy, the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course, and the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course.

Outside CAP, Negrón applies the same principles of leadership, discipline, and service as security operations manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. In this role, he oversees complex park and resort security operations, coordinates with law enforcement partners, and ensures a safe and welcoming environment for millions of guests each year.

Whether in uniform or in civilian attire, Negrón is anchored by his belief in servant leadership — building trust, empowering others, and inspiring teams to achieve extraordinary results.