Cmdr. Matthew T. Erdner
Commander, United States Navy
26 January 2021
Cmdr. Matthew Erdner is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a 2001 graduate of Norwich University, where he earned his commission and a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a minor in Mathematics. He also holds a Master of Science in Space Systems Operations from Naval Postgraduate School.
Erdner’s sea duty assignments include: Division Officer tours as the First Lieutenant and Main Propulsion Assistant aboard USS Hayler (DD 997), where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, completed the Surface Rescue Swimmer course, and completed counter-narcotics operations, before decommissioning the Haley, and Fire Control Officer aboard USS Mitscher (DDG 57), where he completed a DPMA and 2004 INSURV; Engineer Officer for Mine-Countermeasure Ship (MCM) Crew Bulwark, where he embarked aboard USS Champion (MCM 4), completing a homeport shift from San Diego to Ingleside, Texas, and completed a 5th Fleet Deployment aboard USS Gladiator (MCM 11); Executive Officer MCM Crew Dominant, where he assumed command of USS Scout (MCM 8), Champion, USS Chief (MCM 14), Gladiator and USS Warrior (MCM 10); Executive Officer aboard USS Mason (DDG 87); and most recently, he assumed the duties and responsibilities of Commanding Officer aboard the Mason, November 2019 and was relieved by Cmdr. Stphen Valerio, April 2021.
Ashore, Erdner’s assignments include: Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness and Surface Commanders Courses Instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School and Executive Assistant to the Director for Testing at the Missile Defense Agency;
Erdner’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Naval Post Graduate School Space Systems Academic Excellence Award, various unit and campaign ribbon.