Captain John Smith is a native of Marseilles, Illinois and enlisted in the Navy in 1997. After completing the enlisted pipeline and serving as a staff instructor on MTS-635, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program (nuclear option). He graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Chemistry. He also holds a Masters of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of South Carolina.

His sea tours include division officer assignments on USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN 735)(G), engineer officer on USS DALLAS (SSN 700), and executive officer on USS CONNECTICUT (SSN 22). He commanded USS ALASKA (SSBN 732)(B) in Kings Bay Georgia from June 2022 to November 2024. 

His shore assignments include staff training officer and executive officer on MTS-626 and a junior board member on the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. Additionally, he was the final commanding officer on USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) and completed the transition of the first S6G training platform, (MTS 701) from October 2019 to September of 2021. 

Captain Smith has received various personal, unit and campaign awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and five Battle Efficiency awards. 

Captain Smith is married to the former Amy Bernardin of Compton, IL, and father to Justin, Matthew, and Alexander.

CDR Matthew E. Wood was born and raised in Plain City, Ohio. He received a Superintendent’s appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 2001 and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Economics. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in March 2007.

Following flight school, CDR Wood reported in April 2008 to the “Sandemen” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO, VQ-2, at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, flying the EP-3E ARIES II. While attached to VQ-2, he completed six detachments to the FOURTH and FIFTH Fleet areas of operation. He completed the EP-3E Weapons and Tactics Instructor course and served as the squadron NFO Senior Evaluator Instructor and a Mission Commander.

CDR Wood then reported to the “Pro’s Nest” of Patrol Squadron THREE ZERO, VP-30, at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, in May 2011 to serve as a Fleet Replacement Squadron EP-3E NFO Instructor. During his tour he split his duties between VP-30, the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School, and the MQ-4C Triton Fleet Integration Team.

He next reported to the “Wizards” of Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO (VPU-2) at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in December 2013 for his disassociated sea tour flying the P-3C Orion. He served as the NFO Instructor Sensor Coordinator and Configurations Department Division Officer supporting worldwide operations. While at VPU-2, CDR Wood was selected as the 2015 Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Naval Flight Officer of the Year.

Following his disassociated sea tour, CDR Wood transitioned to the P-8A Poseidon and reported to the “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron TWO SIX (VP-26) in Jacksonville, Florida, in March 2016 for his Department Head tour. He served as the Tactics Officer, Administration Officer, and Maintenance Officer. During his tour he completed two deployments to the SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet areas of responsibility.

He then reported to Naval Safety Command at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, in February 2020 and served as the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Analyst and Aviation Fixed-Wing Branch Head.
In March 2023, CDR Wood reported to USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in San Diego, CA, as the Combat Direction Center Officer.

CDR Wood earned his Masters of Science degree in Aviation Management and Logistics from Kent State University in 2022. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal (3), and other personal, campaign, and service ribbons. He has amassed over 3,200 flight hours in the EP-3E, P-3C, and P-8A aircraft.

CDR Wood is married to the former Miss Megan Hazel of Pataskala, Ohio. They have three children, Samuel, Lucas, and Jillian.

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Unit Staff Leadership