CMDCM Matt Lootens

Command Master Chief, USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41)

18 May 2021

Command Master Chief Matt Lootens is a Michigan native who enlisted into the Navy in September of 1996. He attended Recruit Training at Great Lakes, Illinois, and completed Aviation Electronics Technician “A” school at Pensacola, Florida.  He graduated from the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, Rhode Island. (Class 179) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course (Class 180).  He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University in Workforce Education and Curriculum Development, and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston, West Virginia.

He assumed the duties as the command master chief aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) in June of 2020. 

His previous command tours were command master chief for Strike Fighter Squadron 115 and as command senior chief aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20).  Other shipboard assignments were USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Strike Fighter Squadron 211.

His shore tours include Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Detachment MCAS Miramar, California (instructor duty), Naval Air Systems Command (MEASURE program) Patuxent River, Maryland, and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (Fleet Readiness Squadron) onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. He is authorized to wear the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist insignias; he is also a designated Master Training Specialist.