Major Matthew “JIM” Johnson graduated from Virginia Tech in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
While at Virginia Tech he entered the Marine Corps via the PLC Program. He attended Officer Candidates School May of 2008 and May of 2009 for PLC Juniors and Seniors respectively. Second Lieutenant Johnson commissioned in May of 2010 and reported to The Basic School in Oct of 2010. Following graduation from The Basic School in April 2011, he was assigned to flight training in Pensacola, Florida.
Second Lieutenant Johnson was promoted to First Lieutenant in May of 2012 and winged as a Naval Aviator in July of 2013. First Lieutenant Johnson attended SERE Level C in Coronado, CA in August 2013. He reported to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, California for initial training in the UH-1Y in September of 2013. In March of 2014, First Lieutenant Johnson completed UH-1Y pilot training and received orders to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HMLA-167) aboard MCAS New River, NC. In August of 2014, First Lieutenant Johnson was promoted to Captain.
In March of 2015, Captain Johnson attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 Reinforced (VMM-162(REIN)). In October of 2015 he deployed with VMM-162(REIN) on the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as the Embark Officer. In June of 2016, Captain Johnson returned to HMLA-167 and served as the Assistant Tactics Officer. In June of 2017, Captain Johnson attached to VMM-162(REIN), this time serving as the UH-1Y Training Officer, in Future Operations. Following hurricane Harvey, a contingent of VMM-162(REIN) including MV-22, CH-53, and UH-1Y aircraft, deployed aboard the USS Kearsarge for Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Following hurricane Maria, DSCA tasking shifted to Puerto Rico, and the forces aboard the USS Kearsarge supported sorties in the humanitarian effort. In March of 2018 he deployed with VMM-162(REIN) on the 26th MEU as the UH-1Y PTO. In August of 2018, Captain Johnson returned to HMLA-167 and executed orders to Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, NJ.
In August of 2018, Captain Johnson joined HMLA-773 as the Future Operations Officer, Ground Training Officer, and Administrations Officer. In February of 2019 Captain Johnson attended the Aviation Safety Officer school and was designated an Aviation Safety Officer (ASO). In July of 2020, Captain Johnson promoted to Major. Major Johnson served as the Assistant Operation Officer until executing orders to Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC.
In July of 2021, Major Johnson reported to HMLA-269 and served as the H&S OIC. In November of 2021, Maj Johnson became the Director of Safety and Standardization. In February of 2022, Maj Johnson deployed in support of Cold Response 22 to Norway. In May 2022 Maj Johnson became the Aircraft Maintenance Officer (AMO) for HMLA-269. In November 2022 Maj Johnson became the H-1 Detachment Officer in Charge (OIC) for VMM-162(REIN) attached to the 26 MEU. In July of 2023 he deployed with VMM-162(REIN) on the 26th MEU as the H-1 Detachment and S-4 OIC. Upon his return in March of 2024, Maj Johnson received orders to Marine Wing Support Squadron 273(MWSS-273) aboard MCAS Beaufort.
In June of 2024 Maj Johnson reported to MWSS-273 as the Executive Officer and is currently serving in that billet.
Major Johnson’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal two gold stars in lieu of third award.