Master Chief Dodd is a native of Michigan City, Indiana.  He entered the Navy through the Delayed Entry Program and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL in July, 1984.

Following Recruit Training, Master Chief Dodd reported to various technical schools in preparation for his assignment as a Submarine Sonar Technician.  His first duty assignment was onboard USS FLORIDA (SSBN 728).  Other assignments include USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729), TRIDENT Training Facility, Bangor, WA, USS MICHIGAN (SSBN 727), Naval Leadership Training Unit, Bangor, WA, Chief of the Boat of USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN 730), and Command Master Chief of USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39).

Master Chief Dodd was selected into the Command Master Chief Program in January 2006.  In November 2008, he became the Command Master Chief of Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. 

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit and campaign awards.