Matthew R. Wanemacher, a 1999 Triton High School graduate and native of Bourbon, will officially retire Feb. 16 from the U.S. Navy after serving 22-1/2 years.  
He enlisted shortly after 9/11 in October 2001. Upon completion of basic training at Great Lakes, Ill., and completing his Aviation Ordnanceman “A” School in Pensacola, Fla., he reported to the Pre-Commissioning Unit USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Aircraft Carrier in Norfolk, Va. He was assigned to the G-3 Division in the Weapons Department.
In 2006, upon completion of his first sea duty and two deployments to the Persian Gulf, and achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, he attended the H-60 “C” school before reporting to the “Wolf Pack” of HSL-45 in Coronado, Calif.
In 2006, during his second round of sea duty, he was assigned to Detachment Five as the lead AO and deployed on the USS Cape St. George (CG-71) to the Arabian Gulf while conducting defensive patrols around the Al Basrah and Kwhar Al Amayah oil terminals.
In 2009, he reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific based in San Diego where he provided training to 11 squadrons. In addition, he served as the lead small arms marksmanship instructor.
In July 2012, he transferred to the Blue Hawks of HSM-78, serving as the ordnance leading petty officer for the world’s most advanced multi-mission helicopter where he deployed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).
In 2017, he rose to the rank of chief petty officer where he was assigned to Fleet Readiness Center West in Lemoore, Calif. After completing three years in Lemoore and achieving the rank of senior chief petty officer, he was assigned to the “Scorpions” of HSM-49 in San Diego, serving as the senior ordnance advisor and mentoring junior sailors across the fleet.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (eight awards), Battle “E” (three awards), Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, 2015 COMHSMWINGPAC John W. Finn Aviation Ordnanceman of the year, 2016 HSM-78 Senior Sailor of the year and various other unit awards.
Wanemacher resides in San Diego with his wife, Ashley; son, Julian, 8; and daughter, Brynlee, 6. Parents are Jim and Kim Burris Wanemacher, Noblesville, formerly of Warsaw and Bourbon. Grandparents are Bob and Marcia Burris, Warsaw; and Robert and Jeanette Wanemacher, both deceased; and Peg Wanemacher, Haines City, Fla. Sister Christina (and Andy) Crask is from Westfield, and brother Adam (and Katrina) Wanemacher is from Temecula, Calif.
In Matt’s honor, a decorated military ceremony will be held at Murphy Canyon Chapel, San Diego, on Feb. 8.