Command Master Chief
Master Chief Matt Laing was born in Boston, MA. He graduated from James Madison High School in San Antonio, TX in May 1986. After graduation, he reported to Recruit Training Command in San Diego in July 1986. Upon completion of basic training, he attended Avaition Structural Mechanic (Structures) "A" School in NATTC Millington, TN. In January 1987, he completed his initial training pipeline by attending F-14A practical job training in NAS Miramar, CA with VF-124 (FRAMP).
His assignments include Fighter Sqaudron 21 (VF-21) onboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) and USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62); Fleet Logistics Support Sqaudron 50 (VRC-50, Sea Component) at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and Andersen AFB, Guam; NAS Fallon, NV; Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FIVE (HC-5, Sea Component) at Andersen AFB, Guam and Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL.
He was selected for the Command Senior Chief Program in January 2007. In May 2007, he was promoted to Master Chief and reported to his first Command Master Chief tour at MCM Crew IMPERVISIOUS/USS AVENGER (MCM-1) in June 2007. In August 2009, Master Chief Laing reported to NAS Lemoore, CA (the Navy's newest an largest Master Jet Base) as Command Master Chief. He reported to his present assignment as Command Master Chief for Carrier Air Wing 17 in August 2012.
Master Chief Laing holds an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Western Nevada Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronuatics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 131) and the CMC/COB Course (Class 39).
His personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with three gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with three gold stars) and various unit and campaign awards. Master Chief Laing is qualified as an Enlisted Avaition Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Master Training Specialist.
He is married to the former Warlita Ferrer of Baguio City, Philippines; they have one son Peter.