Major Matt Andrews is a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and graduated from Pulaski High School in 2005. In 2006, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and served as a Bulk Fuel Specialist. Major Andrews attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2009. He attended Officer Candidates School in 2008 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2009. Major Andrews then attended the Basic Officer Course and the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia.
Major Andrews reported to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Marine Regiment where he served as the Weapons Platoon Commander. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011. After returning from deployment, Major Andrews reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. He completed Primary Flight Training at NAS Whiting Field, Florida, and completed Intermediate and Advanced Jet Training at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. He earned his Wings of Gold in December 2013.
In 2014, Major Andrews reported to the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 at NAS Oceana, Virginia for initial training in the F/A-18C Hornet. In 2015, he reported to the “Death Rattlers” of VMFA-323 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California for his fleet tour. He served as the Schedules Officer, Flight Officer, Power Line Division Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, and Director of Safety and Standardization. In 2017, Major Andrews deployed with Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
In May 2019, Major Andrews reported to Fighter Squadron 11 of the Finnish Air Force in Rovaniemi, Finland where he served as a Personnel Exchange Program Pilot. He served as an Air Combat Instructor and was responsible for instructing all levels of students within the squadron. In 2021, Major Andrews was selected by his peers and students as the Air Combat Instructor of the Year.
In August 2022, Major Andrews reported to the "Silver Eagles" of VMFA-115 where he served as the Executive Officer and Operations Officer. In March 2023, he deployed with the squadron to Iwakuni, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program. In November 2023, he joined the "Checkerboards" of VMFA-312 where he currently serves as the Executive Officer.
Major Andrews has accumulated more than 1,200 flight hours in the F/A-18 and has 110 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal and unit awards.