Capt. MATTHEW R. SHELLOCK
Commanding Officer, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4
10 June 2025
CAPT Matthew R. Shellock is a native of New Jersey. He was commissioned through the United States Naval Academy class of 2001. He currently serves as the Commanding Officer, Assault Craft Unit FOUR on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, in Virginia Beach, VA. He assumed command in May 2025.
Afloat, CAPT Shellock has deployed to the Arabian Gulf, Horn of Africa, and the Pacific in support of numerous joint and combined operations. His last sea tour was as Commanding Officer aboard USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50). Other sea tours include First Lieutenant aboard USS ELLIOT (DD 967), Auxiliaries Officer aboard USS FLETCHER (DD 992), Main Propulsion Assistant aboard USS ANTIETAM (CG 54), Chief Engineer and Executive Officer of USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47), and Executive Officer of USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50).
Ashore, CAPT Shellock reported to the Chief of Naval Operations staff and fulfilled the role of Future Amphibious Ships Requirements Officer, in the Amphibious Warfare Branch of the Expeditionary Warfare Division (OPNAV N95). His portfolio included requirements for LPD 17 SAN ANTONIO class, LHA 6 AMERICA class, and the development of the LX(R) program. Following his tour at the Pentagon, he assumed duties as a Tactical Mentor at Afloat Training Group Norfolk. During his tour at ATG, he completed the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) class 15010 to earn his patch as an IAMD WTI and also deployed to Jordan in support of United States Central Command. Following command, he served as the Deputy Director of the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) Fleet Training – Atlantic where he was dual-hatted as the Assistant Officer in Charge of SMWDC Detachment Little Creek, VA. Most recently, he served as the Division Chief for the Deployable Training Division (DTD), Deputy Directorate Joint Training (JT) Joint Staff (J7) at the DoD Suffolk, VA campus.
CAPT Shellock holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from the US Naval Academy. He holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA. Additionally, he completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase 1 while at NPS.
CAPT Shellock's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), as well as various unit and campaign awards.