Commander Matthew Fountain, a native of Florence, Alabama, graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2001, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry.

 

CDR Fountain was commissioned as an Ensign in 2001
through the NROTC program. Following flight training at VT-2 and HT-8 at NAS Whiting Field, he was designated a Naval Aviator in September 2002 and was assigned to HC-3 (San Diego, CA) to attend initial training in the MH-60S Seahawk.

 

CDR Fountain's initial Fleet assignment was with the "Providers" of Helicopter Cargo Squadron Five (HC-5) in Andersen Air Force Base, Guam from 2003-2006. During his time with the "Providers”, he deployed to Fifth Fleet and Seventh Fleet AORs and qualified as Helicopter Aircraft Commander.

 

In October 2006 he was assigned to Helicopter Training Squadron 28 (HT-28) at NAS Whiting Field where he served as an Instructor Pilot.  In January 2010, CDR Fountain reported aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) in San Diego California serving as Aircraft Handling Officer and Hangar Deck Officer.  From March 2011 to March 2012, he served in USFORA as an action officer in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In September 2012 he was assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Three (HSC-23) San Diego California where he served as Safety Officer, Administration Officer, and Maintenance Officer.

 

In July, 2015 CDR Fountain was assigned to Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.  In July, 2016, he reported to the Pentagon to serve on the staff for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment.  He reported as the CSO for TACGRU 1 in July, 2019.