Executive Officer

Commander Matthew Rigler is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. Matt also earned a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Systems Technology in 2005. He was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2007.

In 2008, CDR Rigler reported to the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT (HSC-8) in San Diego, CA, deploying on board USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74) to the Seventh Fleet AOR.

In 2011, CDR Rigler reported to the “Warhawks” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TEN (HS-10) for duty as a Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot. HS-10 was “sun downed” in 2012 at which point Matt became an instructor at HSC-3.

In 2014, CDR Rigler reported to Norfolk, VA to the “Red Wolves” of HSC-84, a squadron providing dedicated SOF support. He deployed twice to CENTCOM Crises Response Element, and once to Jordan in support of Exercise EAGER LION before decommissioning HSC-84 in March 2016.

In 2016, CDR Rigler returned to San Diego for his department head tour with the “Firehawks” of HSC-85, HSC-84’s sister squadron also providing dedicated SOF support. He served as Future Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer conducting one deployment to the Philippines in support of Exercise BALIKATAN and to Darwin, Australia in support of Exercise TALISMAN SABER. His second deployment with HSC-85 was to the Horn of Africa as part of the Personnel Recovery Task Force.

In 2019, CDR Rigler was assigned to NATO Allied Joint Forces Command, Brunssum in the Netherlands where he worked in the J5 Plans Division focused on Planning Support and Coordination.

In 2022, CDR Rigler reported to Virginia Beach as Detachment Officer in Charge (OIC) at Tactical Air Control Squadron TWO ONE (VTC-21) onboard Joint Expeditionary Base – Little Creek. He deployed to the 5th Fleet AOR with a detachment of air traffic controllers, operations specialists and watch officers manning the Tactical Air Control Center on board USS BATAAN (LHD-5) in support of the BAT Amphibious Ready Group/26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).

He reported to the University of Idaho/Washington State University Navy ROTC Unit as Executive Officer in May 2024. CDR Rigler’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin and various unit and campaign awards. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Peer Leadership Award in 2011.

Contact CDR Rigler at mrigler@uidaho.edu