Master Chief Cerda was born in Detroit, MI. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1978. He received basic training at Orlando, FL. and yeoman training at Meridian, MS.
Afloat he has served with both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. His operational assignments include duty onboard USS Barbey (FF 1088) and USS South Carolina (CGN 37). He also served as Legal Officer with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVENTY-FOUR (NMCB 74) deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily and Naval Air Station, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and USS Yellowstone (AD 41) in-theatre during Operation Desert Shield/Storm from August 1990 until April 1991.
Ashore he served on the staff of Atlantic Fleet Headquarters Support Activity (LANTFLTHEDSUPPACT) and Commander-in-Chief US Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT) in Norfolk, VA. In 1987 he graduated with distinction from the Naval Justice School, Newport, RI., from both the Legalman and Legal Officer courses. From 1991 to 1995, he served as Special Assistant to Legal Counsel for the Chief of Naval Personnel in Washington, DC. He completed two other headquarter assignments at the Naval Legal Service Office, National Capital (NLSO NATCAP) and Chief Judge, Navy/Marine Corps Trial Judiciary (NAVMARTRIJUD). While on active duty he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology from St. Leo College, FL.
Cerda retired from active duty in 1998. His civilian employment began with the Massachusetts Institute Technology Research & Engineering (MITRE) Corp., providing administrative assistance to the Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) Program and Human Resources Leadership & Management Department. He began his Naval Science Instructor position at St. Stephens High School, in July 2001 and continues in that position today.
He is a current member of the Hickory City Community Relations Council, U.S. Navy Memorial Association, USO of North Carolina, U.S. Congressional 10th District Military Advisory Committee, American Legion Post 48, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4553, Disabled American Veterans Hickory Chapter #34 and Catawba County Republican Men’s Forum. He attends St. Aloysious church. His military decorations include: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4 awards); Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm Southeast Asia Medal; and Kuwait Liberation Medal.