CAPT Matthew W. Foster

Deputy Commander, Naval Surface & Mine Warfighting Development Center (NSMWDC)

01 May 2026 Captain Foster received his commission after graduating from North Carolina State University in 2000. He holds a master's degree in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

At sea, Captain Foster served as Propulsion Division Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant on USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39), Navigator on USS Anzio (CG 69), Chief Engineer on USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), and Executive Officer of USS Russell (DDG 59). He commanded USS Russell (DDG 59) and Patrol Coastal Crew Echo, embarked onboard USS Typhoon (PC 5), USS Tempest (PC 2) and USS Squall (PC 7). 

Ashore, served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Assessment Division (N81), the Joint Capabilities and Integration Division (N83), and the Programming Division (N80). He also served in the Programming and Budget Analysis Division on the Joint Staff. He was the Executive Assistant to the Commander, Naval Surface Forces and Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and was the Commanding Officer of Naval Leadership and Ethics Command, San Diego.

Most recently, Captain Foster was the Commander of Destroyer Squadron 21 and the Sea Combat Commander for the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group.

Captain Foster holds subspecialties in Operations Research, Financial Management, Requirements Management and Mechanical Engineering. He is the recipient of multiple professional and academic awards and has been fortunate enough to serve on numerous teams that have earned the Battle "E".