Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Commander Matthew J. Lehman Commanding Officer (November 2010 - May 2012)

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Commander Lehman is a native of Dallas, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Villanova University in 1992 with a degree in Political Science.

After attending Surface Warfare Officer’s School in Newport, RI, he reported to his initial division officer assignment in USS JOHN RODGERS (DD 983) in Charleston, SC where he was assigned to the Operations and Combat Systems Departments. Upon completion of his first division officer tour he served as the Pre-commissioning Damage Control Assistant in USS CARNEY (DDG 64) from February 1996 to June 1997. He then joined the COMSIXTHFLT staff home ported in Gaeta Italy from July 1997 to September 1999 where he served as the Assistant TLAM Officer.

Following Department Head training in Newport, RI, he reported to USS MONTEREY (CG-61) home ported in Norfolk, VA, as the Weapons Control Officer/Combat Systems Officer. Upon completion of his Masters education he transferred to Yokosuka Japan where he served as the Executive Officer in USS COWPENS (CG-63) from April 2005 to November 2006.

Ashore, Commander Lehman attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island following his department head tours. He joined the staff of the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN from December 2006 to September 2008 where he was the Surface Ship Placement Officer (PERS 413) prior to assuming duties as the Deputy Director.

CDR Lehman completed serving on the Joint Task Force PALADIN staff in Bagram Afghanistan as the Officer in Charge, Joint Counter Radio-Controlled IED Electronic Warfare Division. His most recent tour was as executive officer in USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56) from March to November 2010.

He assumed command in USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56) on 29 November 2010.

Commander Lehman’s personal awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).