VT-31 Leadership

Executive Officer

Cmdr. Michael Strittmatter is a native of Alexandria, Virginia. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was a member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He graduated in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical science. After graduating and commissioning, he reported to flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2008.

In June 2009, Strittmatter reported to the "Pelicans" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 in Jacksonville, Florida, for his first operational tour. During this tour, he qualified as a P-3C Instructor Under Training (IUT) instructor, instructor pilot, mission commander, and patrol plane commander. He completed two deployments to the 6th and 7th Fleet AORs.

In June 2012, he reported to P-3C Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), VP-30 in Jacksonville to serve as an FRS Instructor. At VP-30, he served as a Fleet Instructor Under Training (FIUT) pilot, IUT instructor, and fleet NATOPS evaluator. Additionally, he earned a Master of Science in aeronautical science at ERAU Worldwide.

In July 2015, Strittmatter reported to the "Wizards" of Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) Two in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, for his disassociated sea tour and served as the pilot NATOPS officer, pilot training officer, and legal officer. He completed four detachments to the 5th and 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

In December 2017, he reported to the "Fighting Marlins" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 in Whidbey Island, Washington, for his department head tour. During his tour he completed two deployments to the 5th Fleet AOR. Upon completion of the last active-duty deployment of the P-3C Orion, he oversaw the maintenance department's transition to the P-8A Poseidon.

In July 2020, Strittmatter reported to the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned a Master of Arts in defense and strategic studies. In July 2021, Strittmatter reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon as the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Director, Integrated Warfare (OPNAV N9I).

Strittmatter assumed the duties of squadron executive officer in May 2023 for the "Wise Owls" of Training Squadron (VT) 31.

He has been awarded the Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various other unit, campaign, and service decorations.