Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Christian Gaede graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2003 with a degree in Aeronautical Science and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 2004 through Officer Candidates School. 

Following flight school and F/A-18 replacement pilot training, LtCol Gaede reported to MCAS Beaufort, SC.  Between 2009 and 2020 LtCol Gaede deployed four times, carrier and land based, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 312 and 251 flying combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve as well as missions throughout the INDOPACOM AOR.
 
Outside the cockpit LtCol Gaede served as the Forward Air Controller for Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.  He deployed with 2/6 to Trek Nawa, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.  In addition to supporting patrols from eight different Company positions across an 87-kilometer battlespace, LtCol Gaede executed the first Cargo Resupply Unmanned Aerial System (CRUAS) mission to a patrol base in Afghanistan.

Assigned to the Aviation Hallway in 2020, LtCol Gaede was the legacy TACAIR lead and the F/A-18 Lifecycle Program Coordinator supporting transition from the F/A-18 and AV-8B platforms to the F-35.  LtCol Gaede is currently serving as the Marine Aircraft Group 31 Personnel Support Detachment Commanding Officer.

LtCol Gaede is a graduate of the Marine Division Tactics Course (MDTC), the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI), the Expeditionary Warfare School and Marine Corps Command and Staff College resident programs.

LtCol Gaede’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral “3”, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars.