CDR MATTHEW L. KLUNDER

Executive Officer
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron
ONE ONE FIVE

Commander Matthew L. Klunder, a native of Alexandria, Virginia graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982. After completing a short assignment at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C., he entered the Naval pilot training pipeline and received his "Wings of Gold" on 26 September 1984 in Meridian, Mississippi.

His first fleet squadron tour was with VAW-112 where he served from May 1985 to May 1988. While a member of the "Golden Hawks", Commander Klunder made two Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployments aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV63), including a round the world cruise.

Assigned to VAW-110, in May 1988, Commander Klunder served as flight instructor, Pilot NATOPS Officer, and COMNAVAIRPAC E-2C/E-2C PLUS NATOPS Evaluator. During this time he was also awarded the "1988 Hawkeye of the Year" and accepted to the U. S. Naval Test Pilot School.

In June 1989, he reported to NATC Patuxent River, MD where he completed one year of academic/flight test training and two years of flight test work with the Force Warfare Test Directorate. During this assignment, he was awarded the "1991 Test Pilot of the Year", established 21 world performance flying records, and obtained a Masters Degree in Aerodynamics and Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee.

From October 1992 to February 1995, he served as the Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer for the "Liberty Bells" of VAW-115. His tour included one full Operation Southern Watch deployment and multiple surge operations in the Western Pacific.

He next served as the Senior Operations Officer and SIOP Officer on the Joint Staff J-3/ National Military Command Center in the Pentagon. During this tour, he was involved in such operations as Joint Endeavor, Desert Strike, Khobar Towers Bombing, and the O’Grady Rescue. He screened for command and reported to VAW-115 in October 1997.

Commander Klunder has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours and 500 arrested landings while flying over 40 different aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.

Commander Klunder is married to the former Marylee Kerester of Alexandria, Virginia. They have two sons: Michael and Martin.