VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Master Chief Petty Officer Matthew Wilson, a native of Bedford, Indiana, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Wilson graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School in 1998.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bedford.
“I learned growing up to work hard and to be resilient,” said Wilson. "When you make mistakes, you have to pick yourself back up and keep moving."
Wilson joined the Navy 26 years ago. Today, Wilson serves as a command master chief.
“I joined the Navy to travel outside of my hometown,” said Wilson. “Along the way, I have experienced so many new and different things. The people and camaraderie are amazing."
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
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.
Wilson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."
Wilson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to have a positive impact on people’s lives on a daily basis,” said Wilson. "Being able to make command-level decisions and mentor junior sailors about the Navy and personal life and balancing those two things is vital to their success."
Wilson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“The support of family and friends I have had throughout the years and their support and encouragement has been invaluable,” said Wilson.
Wilson can take pride in serving America through military service
“After all these years, the Navy is my second family,” added Wilson. "Being able to give back to the next generation because of all I have learned and experienced along the way is a great feeling. After I retire, I am looking to continue serving the Navy community and their families in some capacity. I am going to be starting seminary this summer, so I am excited about that."