Capt. Matt Rick is a native of Willoughby, Ohio. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994, the Naval War College in 2006, and the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, formerly the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, in 2013.
 
Rick’s sea tours include division officer, USS Spruance (DD 963); division officer, USS Stark (FFG 31); combat systems officer, USS Spruance (DD 963); executive officer, USS Grapple (ARS 53); flag secretary; Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12; executive officer, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75); chief staff officer, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 2; commanding officer; USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29); and operations officer, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. 
 
Rick would be the last commanding officer to serve aboard Stephen W. Groves, the oldest Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate.  During his tour, the ship achieved many first-time milestones to include circumnavigating the continent of Africa, becoming an emerald shellback, and being recognized by the U.S. Senate for counter-piracy operations that lead to the destruction of a hijacked long liner, Jih Chun Tsai 68, which was operating as a mothership by Somali pirates.
 
Ashore, he served as an instructor and then later, executive assistant to the superintendent at the U.S. Naval Academy. He most recently served as commanding officer, Training Support Center Hampton Roads in Virginia.  He reported as commanding officer, of Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) Hampton Roads in June 2020. 
 
Rick’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
 

Last Updated: 28 April 2022