Page 19 - WNS 2024 e-Program - Resized and Binded

Local Interest Lecturer

Matthew Carter
Naval Special Warfare Officer

Matthew Carter is a Naval Special
Warfare (SEAL) Officer based out
of Coronado, CA and the most
recent Officer-in-Charge of the “The Leap Frogs,” the U.S. Navy’s
official parachute demonstration team.

Originally born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Matt came
to the US in the early 2000’s when his family immigrated to New
Jersey, where he discovered an unexpected passion for the unique
sport that is water polo. While he still can’t figure out how to get the
horses in the water, he credits the sport for igniting his passion and
thirst for a good challenge. His athletic career led him back abroad
to represent the South African national team and ultimately led him
out to Pepperdine University where he began his life on the West
Coast.

Before taking “the leap” and joining the Navy, Matt spent a short but
sweet stint exploring medicine, working as an EMT, physiology
researcher, and Orthopedic product developer. After SEAL training,
he had the privilege to serve with a West Coast based Special
Warfare team, where he deployed to two international theaters and
served with the finest special operators our nation has to offer. Most
recently, Matt has had the honor of serving with the Leap Frogs,
traveling across the country, performing parachute demonstrations in
support of Navy recruiting and outreach initiatives.

Matt has also recently developed a deep and growing appreciation
for the Neurosurgical community as a patient of the Navy’s finest
team of (literal) operators at the Naval Medical Center San Diego
Neurosurgery Department.

Ronald Reagan was the first person to drive across the Coronado Bridge
when it opened in 1969