Capt. Matthew Fanning, a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, graduated in 1999 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 2005 with a master's degree in Engineering Management.

At sea, he served aboard USS Los Angeles (SSN 688); engineer officer aboard USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740); executive officer aboard USS Toledo (SSN 769); and commanding officer aboard USS Hartford (SSN 768), where the crew earned the Battenberg Cup as the best submarine in U.S. Atlantic Fleet in 2017.

Ashore, he served as a watch officer and exercise planner at Submarine Group 8; nuclear safety inspector at U.S. Atlantic Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examination Board; officer-in-charge aboard Moored Training Ship (MTS 635); Submarine Command Course instructor at Naval Submarine School; and Nuclear Enterprise Division chief at U.S. European Command.

Fanning reported to Naval Submarine School as commanding officer in June 2023.

He is authorized to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Last Updated: 5 October 2023