Jun 14

Jun 14 Commander Matthew Lovick: From Kinston to Navy Fleet Leadership

Cmdr. Lovick with his wife Mecca. Photo: Facebook.

Kinston native Cmdr. Matthew R. Lovick took the helm as the 54th commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Fleet Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 3, a role he officially assumed during a change of command ceremony held at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma on May 12, 2023.

*Cmdr. Lovick with Steve and Christina Lovick. Photo: Facebook*

Cmdr. Lovick is a distinguished naval officer, who graduated from Bethel Christian Academy, and is an Eagle Scout. His aunt and uncle, Steve and Christina Lovick own Lovick’s Cafe.

“I want folks in Kinston to know this is an opportunity for them, if they work for it,” said Lovick.

Lovick, a 2006 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 2019 graduate of Oklahoma State University, is a seasoned naval officer with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master in Business Administration. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

Having flown 28 combat sorties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and having volunteered for a 14-month assignment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A), Lovick brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

During the ceremony, Lovick's wife, Mecca, pinned the command-at-sea pin on him, marking his assumption of command. In his inaugural speech as commander, Lovick thanked his family, the sailors under his command, and the community leaders from Oklahoma in attendance.

He emphasized his commitment to support the sailors and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices they often make in the line of service. "We will provide unwavering support to our sailors and families, who are often the ones who bear the heaviest burden of service and sacrifice," Lovick said. "A time will come when we will be looked upon to deploy these aircraft into harm’s way. When that time comes, we shall be ready."

VQ-3, also known as the "Ironmen," are part of the Strategic Communications Wing (SCW) 1, a tenant command of Naval Air Forces Command. The squadron's mission involves providing maintenance, security, operations, administration, training, and logistic support for the E-6B Mercury aircraft fleet, which plays a critical role in national security through deterrence of adversarial nuclear ambitions.

The people of Kinston, including his proud family at Lovick's Cafe, undoubtedly share in the honor of his new assignment. As Commander Lovick undertakes his new role, his leadership will not only be felt by the sailors under his command but also reflected back to his roots in Kinston.

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