Rear Adm. Matthew A. Hawkins, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, graduated in 1996 from the University of California at Berkeley where he earned a degree in biology and his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He also holds a Master of Engineering Management degree from Old Dominion University and is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Joint Forces Staff College.

Upon completion of nuclear propulsion and basic submarine training, he served aboard USS Alabama (SSBN 731) (Gold) where he qualified as a Submarine Warfare Officer and Nuclear Engineer Officer. Following four strategic deterrent patrols and an extended refit period, Rear Admiral Hawkins reported to Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for instructor duty.

Hawkins affiliated with the Navy Reserve in 2004 and has served staff tours with Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, Submarine Force Atlantic, U.S. Joint Forces Command, OPNAV (N3/N5), and Navy Reserve Forces Command.

Command tours have been with units assigned to USS EMORY S. LAND (AS-39), U.S. THIRD Fleet, Submarine Force Atlantic, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, U.S. SIXTH Fleet, and the Joint Staff. He completed post-command tours as the Reserve Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and Director, Submarine Force Reserve Component.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).

Last Updated: 1 October 2025