SAN DIEGO - Lt. Matt Mickey, a native of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, serves the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), where the Navy’s surface warfighters increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Mickey graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 2015. Additionally, Mickey earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the United States Naval Academy in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Scottsbluff.
“Growing up in a small town, you learn to have a sense of community,” Mickey said. “The town coming together for football games, various holidays, celebrations and events, created a sense of community that has carried over to the Navy. You really get to know people personally from all walks of life. It made a difference in how I lead and how I interact with people on a daily basis.”
Mickey joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Mickey serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I just always had an internal sense of patriotism,” Mickey said. “When I was a child, I would march up and down the street with an American flag. When I was in elementary school, I thought I’d be in the Air Force; then later, I thought I’d join the Army. I met some people who had been in the Army, and we talked about it. I talked to another person who had gone to the Naval Academy, and it really changed my mind about what I wanted to do.”
“SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Mickey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I had the chance to choose which ship I was going to, and I chose USS Fitzgerald,” Mickey said. “At the time, it was in Pascagoula, Mississippi, undergoing repairs from a collision at sea. I joined the ship at the end of the repair cycle. We were tasked to get it back into service, back to San Diego from Mississippi, and start the cycle to work up for deployment. Just being a part of that team and working with the sailors who made that happen, with everything they went through to bring it back, is something I’ll never forget. I had the opportunity to meet some of the sailors who were there during the collision and help them get through that. Doing that and then working with all the new people coming in to help bring the ship back to service was an incredible leadership opportunity. It was difficult, but gave me a sense of pride.”
Mickey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy has really fulfilled the desire to serve my country that I had when I was growing up,” Mickey said. “I try to be the hero that I looked up to for my kids and my community. The Navy has definitely opened doors that I never thought would be open for me.”
Mickey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Alexis, my high school sweetheart,” Mickey said. “At times, she probably feels like she’s a single mother because she carries a lot of weight as a military spouse. She’s been my rock and encourages me when things get difficult. She’s an incredible mother. When the Navy calls and I can’t be there, she steps up. She crushes the military spouse role.”
Mickey is also grateful to the veterans who served before, forging the path for service members today.
“There are plenty of veterans in my community who paved the way for me,” Mickey added. “My wife’s grandfather, a 102-year-old Army veteran who served in World War II, often talks about how much he cherished his time in service. That has really helped me cherish the time I have and enjoy every moment. I want to be able to tell those stories one day.”