About our Naval Science Instructor

Chief Matthew Spears was born in Riverside, CA and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1992. He completed Recruit Training in Orlando, FL in October 1992 and attended Intelligence Specialist “A” School in Dam Neck, VA graduating in June 1993.

His first duty assignment was on board USS SARATOGA (CV-60) as an all-source analyst. In January 1994, SARATOGA deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and participated in U.N and NATO operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise in the Adriatic Sea. SARATOGA returned to homeport in June 1994 and was decommissioned.

Subsequent duty stations included Commander Amphibious Group ONE in Okinawa, Japan and Joint Intelligence Center-Pacific in Oahu, HI.

In 2000, Chief Spears was transferred to USS SHREVEPORT (LPD 12) as the ship’s Independent Duty Intelligence Officer. Following the attacks on 9/11 SHREVEPORT deployed with elements of the 21st Marine Expeditionary Unit to participate in operations in Afghanistan. Chief Spears provided intelligence support to ground operations and Maritime Interdiction Operations.

Chief Spears was also stationed at Afloat Training Group Norfolk, VA, Reserve Intelligence Area Washington, D.C., Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Joint Warfare Analysis Center, KENNEDY Irregular Warfare Center/Office of Naval Intelligence. 

He earned his Associates of Applied Science in Intelligence Operations in 2008 and completed his Bachelors of Science in Management in the summer of 2018.

Chief Spears is qualified Information Warfare, Expeditionary Warfare, Surface Warfare Specialist, and Master Training Specialist.  His personal and unit awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), Joint Meritorious Commendation (two awards), Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Ribbon (four awards), Overseas Service Ribbon, Rifle Marksman, and Pistol Marksman.

Chief Spears was awarded one of three Liberty High School PTSA Outstanding Educator Awards for the 2019-2020 school year.

He resides in Renton, WA.  He is the proud father of one daughter, one son, and also has one granddaughter.