MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Cmdr. Matthew Furtado, a native of Raynham, Massachusetts, recently completed his tour as commanding officer serving aboard USS Decatur, a U.S. Navy warship.
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| Cmdr. Matthew Furtado departs during a change of command ceremony for USS Decatur held at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. |
Decatur recently held a change of command ceremony on Oct. 8 at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where Furtado relinquished command to Cmdr. David P. Huscher.
Furtado graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in 2002.
Furtado joined the Navy 18 years ago.
"My family didn't have strong ties to the military, but both my brother and I were interested from a young age to serve," said Furtado. "I just knew that the Surface Navy was the right fit for me."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Raynham.
“I learned that the relationships you make are extremely important, especially if they're enduring," said Furtado.
Homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USS Decatur is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer named for the former naval officer Stephen Decatur, Jr. This ship is the 22nd destroyer of her class.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Decatur received the 2023 Battle Efficiency Award, a well-deserved recognition for the crew's hard work throughout the year, both at home and abroad.
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.
Furtado 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 Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Furtado has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"During my time in command, I've been honored to have been a part of individual success stories throughout the crew," said Furtado. "Each crew member has their own situation, and getting to be there to help them succeed was definitely a highlight."
Furtado can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than just any one person," said Furtado. "It's about something that's challenging and demanding, yet honorable and rewarding."
Furtado is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"To my mom and dad, thank you for your support during my career journey from New England all the way to Hawaii," added Furtado. "Without them, I certainly wouldn't be here today."
Furtado 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 Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Furtado has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"During my time in command, I've been honored to have been a part of individual success stories throughout the crew," said Furtado. "Each crew member has their own situation, and getting to be there to help them succeed was definitely a highlight."
Furtado can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than just any one person," said Furtado. "It's about something that's challenging and demanding, yet honorable and rewarding."
Furtado is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"To my mom and dad, thank you for your support during my career journey from New England all the way to Hawaii," added Furtado. "Without them, I certainly wouldn't be here today."
**See link below for additional photo**