Captain Matthew D. Ferns was born in Pomona, CA.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Business Management. Captain Ferns attended Officer Candidates School Platoon Leaders Course and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in June 2012. 

Following The Basic School, Second Lieutenant Ferns attended the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course in Fort Sill, OK.  In June 2014, First Lieutenant Ferns reported to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines in Camp Lejeune, NC and was assigned as a Company Fire Support Officer.  In September 2014, he moved to Battery K to serve as a Platoon Commander.  In February 2015, Battery K deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).  Upon return from UDP, First Lieutenant Ferns moved to Battery I to serve as the Fire Direction Officer and HQ Platoon Commander.  In June 2016, First Lieutenant Ferns moved to Fire Support Platoon to serve as the Battalion Assistant Liaison Officer and later the Assistant Regimental Fire Support Coordinator.  From July through December 2016, Captain Ferns attended and graduated from the Expeditionary Warfare School Blended Seminar Program.

In June 2017, Captain Ferns was assigned as the Assistant Logistics Officer for 3d Battalion, 12th Marines in Okinawa, Japan.  Later he became the Assistant Operations Officer for the same unit.  In February 2019, Captain Ferns deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as part of Task Force Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.  In September 2019, Captain Ferns returned to Okinawa and assumed Command of Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment. 

In June 2020, Captain Ferns was assigned as the 3d Battalion, 14th Marines Assistant Inspector-Instructor and Headquarters Battery Inspector-Instructor in Bristol, PA

Captain Ferns’ personal awards include the Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.