Command Master Chief Simba Osei Wallace

Command Master Chief CMDCM Simba Wallace
March 16, 1975 – November 13, 2024
Command Master Chief Simba Wallace, a native of Camden, New Jersey, and proud son of Willingboro, New Jersey, was a remarkable leader, devoted family man, and cherished member of his community. Born on March 16, 1975, he was raised in a close-knit family that instilled in him a love of service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to others.
A graduate of Willingboro High School's Class of 1994, Simba was an accomplished soccer player, class leader, and enthusiastic participant in school activities, including serving as junior class treasurer and senior class secretary. He was also a proud member of the Psycho-drama Club, where his larger-than-life personality and sense of humor shined.
In 1995, Simba answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After completing recruit training at Great Lakes, Illinois, he began his medical career at Hospital Corpsman "A" School in San Diego, California. This path ignited his passion for helping others, which became the cornerstone of his 29-year military career.
Simba's career as a Navy Hospital Corpsman included assignments at National Naval Medical Center, Naval Air Warfare Center Trenton, Naval Air Station Willow Grove, the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and the Naval Medical Center, Camp Lejeune. He also participated in a humanitarian mission to Haiti, embodying his commitment to service beyond borders.
In 2000, he joined the Second Marine Division, Second Marine Expeditionary Force, serving as a general duty corpsman and completing three deployments with Second Battalion, Sixth Marines. As his leadership grew, so did his accolades, including promotions to First Class Petty Officer in 2006 and Chief Petty Officer in 2011.
Throughout his career, Simba served with distinction in roles that spanned across land and sea, from Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait to Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, culminating in his leadership aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as Command Master Chief of Strike Fighter (VFA) Squadron 211. His academic achievements included earning a Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Technology from Thomas Edison State College and completing both the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course.
A man of many passions, Simba was a world traveler, fitness enthusiast, and beloved spin class instructor, whose energy and positivity inspired everyone around him. Above all, Simba was a devoted family man. His greatest joy was supporting his children in every aspect of their lives, providing unconditional love and guidance.
Simba is eternally joined by his beloved wife, Dr. Natalie Castro-Wallace; and survived by his cherished children Simba K. Wallace, Nikia Wallace (Amaree Anderson), and Layla Wallace; stepchildren from a previous marriage, Azaia Banks and Kenny Dye; loving mother Judith Maddox (Nathaniel Maddox); and father Tyrone Wallace (Mona Wallace). He is survived by his siblings: Hekima Wallace Qualls (Shedrick Qualls), Nia Wallace Hall (James Hall), Tunza Wallace (Andrea Wallace), Anika Wallace-Pardlo (Robert Pardlo), Cliff Kareem (Lillian Kareem), Charlotte Carstarphen, Christina Carstarphen, and Elizabeth Guzman; nieces and nephews Quentin, Khaia, Malina, Asha, Nijah, Lyric, India, Malia, Chord, Eli, Carlos, Olivia and a whole host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Simba's legacy is one of service, love, and perseverance. He touched countless lives with his kindness, sense of humor, unique wit, strength, and dedication. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
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