A native of Racine, Wisconsin, Command Master Chief Matthew Dawson enlisted in the Navy in June of 1999 and attended recruit training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduation, he attended Naval Aircrew Candidate School and then Hospital Corpsman “A” School.

His shore duty assignments include: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Branch Health Clinic Key West, flying with the Naval Air Station Key West Search and Rescue unit, Naval Aviation Schools Command, Pensacola, instructing at Aviation Rescue Swimmer School/ Naval Aircrew Candidate School, and Aviation Survival Training Center, Whidbey Island.

His sea duty assignments include: Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO TWO and Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN, Master Chief Dawson also deployed with the Navy’s very first dedicated MEDEVAC unit, the historic 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment (DET 1).

In February 2018 Master Chief Dawson was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program. In December 2018 he reported to the USS CHAMPION (MCM-4) in San Diego as the Command Senior Chief where he Decommissioned her on August 25, 2020. Master Chief Dawson then reported to NROTC San Diego Unit in October 2020. Selected to Master Chief in July 2021, he then chose orders to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO FIVE where he is currently serving as the Command Master Chief.

Master Chief Dawson holds an Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management, is a graduate of the Executive Medical Department Enlisted Course and the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (203 Green), where he was awarded the Oral Communications award. Master Chief Dawson is designated as a Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist and Master Training Specialist.

Master Chief Dawson has accumulated over 1,000 hours in various rotary- and fixed-wing naval aircraft. His decorations include Strike/Flight Air Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) , Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal(seven awards), Army Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal and various unit and campaign awards. He is also a recipient of the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit and Red Cross Hero Award for lifesaving actions.

Master Chief Dawson is married to his wife Michele Young of 14 years, who served honorably in the United States Navy for six years as a Hospital Corpsman and currently live together in Guam.

Last Updated: 5 April 2022