A native of Royersford, Pennsylvania, Commander Matthew J. Orner, was commissioned through the NROTC Program at Villanova University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Commander Orner completed primary flight training at VT-28 in Corpus Christi, TX and selected the “Tailhook” pipeline.  He completed intermediate and advanced flight training at VT-7 in Meridian, MS and VT-31 in Corpus Christi, TX.  He earned his Wings of Gold in May 2009 and reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO ZERO (VAW-120), the “Greyhawks”, for initial training in the E-2C Hawkeye.

Commander Orner completed his first sea tour with VAW-116, the “Sun Kings”, from September 2010 to September 2013.  During this tour he completed two deployments with Carrrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2) aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN.

For shore duty, Commander Orner reported back to the “Greyhawks” of VAW-120 as an instructor pilot and training Landing Signals Officer (LSO).  He served as Public Affairs Officer, Schedules Officer, and Carrier Qualification Phase Head at VAW-120.

In March 2016, Commander Orner reported to Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3) as an Air Wing Staff LSO.  He completed a combat deployment aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE while attached to the Air Wing staff.

Commander Orner then reported for his Department Head tour to the “Wallbangers” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron ONE ONE SEVEN (VAW-117) in October 2017.  He completed an around-the-world deployment with Carrier Air Wing NINE (CVW-9) aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.  He served the Wallbangers as the Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer.

Commander Orner then attended the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies in March 2021.

Commander Orner has amassed over 3,100 flight hours and over 400 arrested landings.  His personal awards include the Strike/Fight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various campaign and service awards.  He married his wife, Denise, in 2013 and has three children - Madeline, Landon, and Hadley.

Last Updated: 28 November 2023