LT Matthew R. Ostdiek
Assistant Professor of Naval Science, The Pennsylvania State University
About
LT Matthew R. Ostdiek was born in Overland Park, KS and raised in Omaha, NE. He attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, graduating in 2017 with a bachelor’s of science in Business Management with a minor in Leadership.
Career
He commissioned immediately upon graduation as an Ensign via the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps 2013 and reported to Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) in San Diego, CA for the Basic Division Officer Course in August 2017.
Upon the completion of BDOC, LT Ostdiek reported to USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24) as the Main Propulsion Officer to complete his 1st Division Officer tour and assumed the billet of Assistant Chief Engineer as ARLINGTON prepared for her C5F/C6F deployment. LT Ostdiek also managed the Expeditionary Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (EVBSS) boat team for the KSG ARG and 22nd MEU team. LT Ostdiek qualified as Officer of the Deck (Underway) and earned his Surface Warfare Officer Pin in February, 2019.
In April 2019, LT Ostdiek accepted a “fleet up” on USS ARLINGTON as Navigator, again attending Surface Warfare Officer School for the Advanced Division Officer Course and Navigator training. During this time, LT Ostdiek was named honor graduate and presented the Magellan Award for his performance at the Surface Navigator School.
Upon assuming Navigator duties, LT Ostdiek led the Arlington through a condensed Basic Phase and deployments to both the C4F and C6F Areas of Responsibility. On Arlington, his watch standing duties included Command Duty Officer in-port, and Officer of the Deck (OOD) and Tactical Action Officer (TAO) underway.
Awards
LT Ostdiek personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal. He is proud to have been a part of teams awarded the USCG Meritorious Team Commendation, Battle Efficiency “E”, and Humanitarian Service Medal.
LT Ostdiek is also the instructor for NAVSC 301 – Naval Ships Systems II–Weapons