Castaneda Catron retires after 20 years of distinguished Naval service

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US Navy Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Magalie Castaneda Catron retired from service on June 30, concluding a 20-year military career defined by leadership, excellence, and dedication to service.

A native of Pearsall, Catron enlisted in the Navy immediately after graduating from Pearsall High School in May 2006. Over the next two decades, she would rise through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice to Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), serving at commands around the world while mentoring thousands of sailors and earning a reputation as a respected leader throughout the fleet.

Her assignments included service in Bahrain, aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41), a deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, instructor duty at Culinary Specialist “A” School in Fort Lee, Virginia, Littoral Combat Ship sea and shore programs in Mayport, Florida, USS Farragut (DDG-99), and most recently as Senior Instructor with the Navy Food Management Team at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego.

Throughout her career, she earned numerous honors, including Junior Sailor of the Year, Sailor of the Year, Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Sailor of the Year Finalist, and selection to Chief Petty Officer in 2017 before advancing to Senior Chief in 2021 all by her 15th year mark.

As an instructor, she helped train more than 4,000 culinary specialists entering the fleet and earned her Master Training Specialist certification.

During her service aboard the USS Farragut, she led more than 240 sailors across multiple departments and collateral duties while deployed overseas in support of national security operations during a nine-month deployment which was severely impacted by COVID-19. She also achieved both Surface Warfare and Aviation Warfare qualifications, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence.

Her military decorations include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals, five Good Conduct Medals, her Associate’s Degree from Central Texas College and her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Arizona GC and numerous other individual and unit awards.

She is the daughter of Augustin and Sandra DeLeon of Pearsall and the late Raymond “Mundo” Castaneda and sister of the late Raymond Castaneda Jr. of Dilley. She is also a mother to three children: Anthony “Tres,” D’iari, and D’iani.

Following retirement, Magalie returned home to Texas where she plans to continue serving others through real estate, veteran and family-owned business ventures, helping others find and grow their faith through her nonprofit Faith in Formation as well as pursuing her Master’s degree in Church Leadership at Houston Christian University.