Commander Matthew Enos

Commander Matthew Enos, a native of Virginia Beach, VA, was commissioned in 2002 from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Minors in Leadership and Business. He began flight training in Pensacola, FL in October 2002, and was designated a Naval Aviator in June of 2004. After earning his wings, he trained with the FLYING EAGLES of VFA-122 onboard NAS Lemoore, CA as an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilot. 

Upon completion, CDR Enos received orders to the DIAMONDBACKS of VFA-102 in NAF Atsugi, Japan where he deployed on the USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) in 2005, 2006, and 2007. During this tour, he qualified as a Joint Terminal Attack Control (JTAC) and a Forward Air Controller (Airborne) (FAC(A)) in addition to Division Lead, Mission Commander, and leaving as the Junior Officer of the Year for 2008. 

After his initial operational tour, he was selected to attend TOPGUN and graduated as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor serving with the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic (SFWSL). While attached to SFWSL, he was the east coast’s subject matter expert in Laser Guided Weapons and Targeting Pods. He culminated the tour as the FAC(A) branch head and was selected as a Training Officer for VFA-11.

During his follow-on tour with the RED RIPPERS of VFA-11, CDR Enos deployed twice aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in 2010 and 2011 in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. As a Training Officer, he also qualified for Air Wing Strike Lead and Air Interdiction Mission Commander.

Upon selection for Department Head, he proceeded to the VFA-22 REDCOCKS where he served as the Administration Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer. During this tour, he deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in 2014-15 in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Post Department Head, CDR Enos attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI. In 2016, he obtained a Masters of Arts in National Strategy and Strategic Studies, graduating with the highest distinction.

CDR Enos has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Strike/Flight Air Medal (3), the Navy Commendation Medal (3), and the Navy Achievement Medal (3). He is also the recipient of the Michael G. Hoff Attack Aviator of the Year for 2014.

CDR Enos has flown over 3,100 hours in the F/A-18E/F and has 841 carrier-arrested landings.