CDR Matthew Leahey is a native of Lewiston, Maine.  He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with Bachelor of Science in History and received his commission in May of 1991.  He completed flight training and was designated a Naval Flight Officer at NAS Pensacola in January of 1992.

 

After completion of F-14 fleet replacement training at NAS Oceana with the GUNFIGHTERS of VF-101, he reported for his first operational assignment in a split tour serving with the FREELANCERS of VF-21 and the BLACK KNIGHTS of VF-154, forward deployed with CVW-5 at NAF Atsugi, Japan.  CDR Leahey served with VF-21 and VF-154 for four years including multiple deployments aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) supporting Korean Contingency Operations and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.

 

In February of 1998, CDR Leahey was selected to attend the US Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and was designated a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) in May of 1998.

 

In June of 1998, CDR Leahey returned to NAS Oceana to serve as an F-14A/B/D SFTI at Strike Weapons and Tactics School Atlantic (SWATSLANT), the F-14 Weapons School. CDR Leahey completed multiple detachments to NAS Fallon, NAF El Centro, NAS Key West, Anderson AFB, and NAF Atsugi in support of the F-14 Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP).

 

In January of 2001, CDR Leahey joined the PUKIN’ DOGS of VF-143 for his second operational tour.  Serving as the squadron SFTI, CDR Leahey completed an accelerated IDTC and deployment aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM following the events of September 11, 2001.

    

In October of 2002, CDR Leahey received orders to the CHECKMATES of VF-211 for his Department Head tour.  CDR Leahey served as Safety Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Operations Officer.  CDR Leahey completed VF-211’s final F-14A cruise aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) supporting both Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.