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Commander Matt Keefe

Commander Keefe grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL and graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science and a minor in Aviation Weather. 
He reported to Pensacola, FL and graduated Officer Candidate School in late 2004.  CDR Keefe attended Aviation Preflight Indoctrination as an Ensign, flew the T-6A Texan in Primary and the T-1A Jayhawk in Intermediate training at VT-4 before he was selected for Advanced Jet Training at VT-86, flying the T-39 Sabreliner and the T-2 Buckeye. He was winged as a Naval Flight Officer in May 2006 and was selected to fly the EA-6B Prowler in Whidbey Island, WA.
After completing Aviation Electronic Warfare School (AVEWS) and the Electronic Countermeasures Officer FRS syllabus at VAQ-129, he joined the Black Ravens of VAQ-135 for his first sea tour and completed three deployments aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68).  During his second deployment he participated in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of combat troops on the ground in Afghanistan.  While attached to VAQ-135 he served as the Legal Officer, Aircraft Division Officer and Assistant Operations Officer.
CDR Keefe graduated the Prowler Tactics Instructor course in late 2010 and reported for his first shore tour at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) in Fallon, NV where he served as an Air Wing SEAD instructor and the command ACCM manager.  While at NSAWC, he completed his master’s degree in Aeronautical Science through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with focus areas in Aviation Maintenance Management and Aviation Safety.
In late 2012, CDR Keefe reported to the VAQ-142 Gray Wolves as their training officer.  While at VAQ-142 he was recognized as the training officer of the year for CVWP while completing a 10.5 month deployment aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
He reported to VAQ-129 once again in 2015 for transition training to the EA-18G Growler in preparation for his operational department head tour with the VAQ-141 Shadowhawks.  At VAQ-141, forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan, he served as the Safety, Admin, Operations, and Maintenance Officer while simultaneously earning his GWTP Levels 2-4 qualifications.  He was also the squadron PCS change officer charged with the logistics and administrative plans for moving the squadron from Atsugi, Japan to Iwakuni, Japan.  While at VAQ-141, CDR Keefe completed five deployments aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
After his department head tour, CDR Keefe reported to Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet and served as the Director of Operations and Safety.  He was screened for command and reported as Executive Officer of the Electronic Attack Weapons School in August 2021.
CDR Keefe’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and multiple mission and unit level awards.  He’s flown over 2,400 flight hours, and has over 500 traps. Commander Keefe’s most important achievement is getting to marry his wife, Bonnie, and raising their two children together.

Last Updated: 2 November 2023


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