CDR Matthew J. Bonner was born and raised in Seaford, NY and Meredith, NH. He graduated from The Citadel in May 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in history and was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program.

After attending SWOS in Newport, RI, he served in USS NORMANDY (CG 60) from January 1994 to June 1996 as Electrical and Auxiliaries officer and deployed in support of Operation DELIBERATE FORCE. His second division officer tour was as Navigator in USS PENSACOLA (LSD 38) from June 1996 to July 1997 deployed in support of Operation SILVER WAKE. His initial shore tour was as Aide de Camp at the Armed Forces Staff College. He then served as the Assistant Operations Officer and head scheduler for afloat training at Afloat Training Group Atlantic.

Upon completion of department head school in October 1999, CDR Bonner reported to USS NICHOLAS (FFG-47) as Chief Engineer. During his tour he participated in a variety of NATO exercises and deployed as part of the ENTERPRISE Battle Group. In July 2001, he reported aboard USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) as Chief Engineer and deployed shortly thereafter as part of the THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle Group and participated in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

CDR Bonner served as the Deputy Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Branch Head and CBRN Defense Requirements Officer for the Director, Surface Warfare Division, (OPNAV N86) from January 2003 to May 2005. He then served as the commissioning Executive Officer of USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99) from June 2005 through October 2007. After completing his Executive Officer tour, he attended the College of Naval Warfare at the U.S. Naval War College and earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2008.

His most recent tour was as a Military Education Policy Planner in the Joint Staff J-7 from December 2008 to January 2011. He now serves as the 72nd Commanding Officer of USS CONSTITUTION, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat.

CDR Bonner’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (6 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards) as well as numerous unit and campaign awards.