Hey, There's a new sheriff in town ...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>Make that the 'Dant!</p>

<p>Let's try this again.</p>

<p>I hear the Supe has announced the selection of Captain Matthew L. Klunder to serve as the 83rd Commandant of Midshipmen. Captain Klunder was selected from a group of distinguished and highly qualified candidates. He is superbly qualified to lead the Brigade of Midshipmen and brings a substantial amount of operational and leadership experience to the position. </p>

<p>Captain Klunder, a 1982 graduate of the Naval Academy majoring in physics, holds two masters degrees; a Masters in Aerodynamics and Aviations Systems from University of Tennessee and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is currently assigned to the staff of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5).</p>

<p>He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1984 and served several operational tours flying the E2-C Hawkeye, airborne early warning aircraft, including having command of VAW-115 (the “Liberty Bells”). During his command tour, VAW-115 received the Battle E, AEW Excellence and Golden Anchor awards. Captain Klunder's extensive operational experience includes command of Carrier Air Wing TWO, during which time the air wing completed two Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployments and conducted Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina relief operations.</p>

<p>Captain Klunder previously served as a Joint Staff Liaison Officer to the U.S. Department of State. There he was the Middle East Section Chief for Political-Military Affairs, and heavily involved in diplomatic and coalition efforts for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He received the “2002 George C. Marshall Statesman” award during that tour. </p>

<p>Captain Klunder has accumulated over 5,800 flight hours and 750 arrested landings while flying over 45 different aircraft. As a flight instructor, he was awarded the “1988 Hawkeye of the Year.” He establishing 21 world flying records and was the “1991 Test Pilot of the Year.” </p>

<p>Captain Klunder will relieve Captain Margaret D. Klein in June. As you know, Captain Klein has been selected for promotion to Rear Admiral and assignment as Operations Officer, N3, Naval Network Warfare Command, Norfolk, Va.</p>

<p>Word has it he wears size 12 shoes and is one real butt-kicker, too! '12 Plebes beware! :eek:</p>

2

<p>well lets hope he appreciates the value of a good meal!!! :eek:</p>

3

<p>Rumor is he's a short order chef on weekends, and that was the principal qual that put him on the radar and landed his airship @ the Yard. ;) Guess it couldn't hurt.</p>

4

<p>
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principal qual that put him on the radar and landed his airship @ the Yard.

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<p>wow. Well, let's see, USMA just got a new Commandant as well. His name is Brig. Gen Linnington. Rumor has it the prinicpal qual that got him the job is his combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. ;)</p>

5

<p>Yea, the word has it that those army brats need at least a one-star general who's seen the worst action as their dean of students ... to keep 'em in line. ;) :p</p>

6

<p>This makes the 3rd dant in 4 years for my mid. I don't think they sweat it all that much since it seems to change pretty much yearly anyway.</p>

7

<p>We had three Dants in less than two months, when our new Dant dropped dead of a heart attack after a workout one evening. In the macro sense, Dants have a certain impact on the lives of mids and can insitute some changes that may make things temporarily better or worse. But, I don't recall any Dant really affecting my day-to-day activities -- Mother B just keeps rolling along.</p>