Littoral combat ships were first introduced more than a decade ago to the naval fleet to increase forward presence and complete diverse missions. Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Moore from La Cañada is a surface warfare officer responsible for leading the operations department in its daily tasks and safely navigating the ship. He is one of the sailors serving aboard USS Freedom, home-ported in San Diego.

“My favorite part about my job is getting to work with the sailors,” said Moore. “It is good to see someone have a problem and you get to have a direct or indirect hand in helping them succeed at what they are doing. U.S. Military is supposed to be upholding the Constitution but it is a lot more personal to know the sailors. Their victories are their victories but it is nice to know you played a small part in it.”

Moore is a 2001 La Cañada High School and 2008 California Maritime Academy graduate.