Wayzata native retires after 26 years of military service

Courtesy Story, Navy Band Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — Senior Chief Musician Randy Johnson, a native of Wayzata, Minnesota, retired from the United States Navy on April 27, after 26 years of service. A retirement ceremony was held in his honor at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., where the United States Navy Band, the Navy’s premier musical organization, is headquartered. 

Johnson was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, third award, for his years of selfless leadership and service. As a senior chief, Johnson was among the less than 2% of enlisted sailors to earn the E-8 pay grade.

Johnson earned a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University in 1998 and a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory in 2000. 

After winning a national audition, Johnson joined the Navy Band in 2000 as a percussion instrumentalist in the Concert and Ceremonial Bands. 

As a member of the Navy Band, Johnson served as percussion section leader, participated in six presidential inaugurals, three International Military Tattoos, the 2025 Rose Parade, toured nationally with the band and performed hundreds of full honors burial ceremonies for departed veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.