Ryland G. Matthews

 Ryland Garrett Matthews is a human Starfleet officer in the 25th century. He is a seasone d combat officer, having served in Starfleet for 41 years and is a veteran of the Dominion War, Klingon War and the Iconian War. He is currently the Delta Expedition Commander, serving from aboard his flagship, the USS Lexington.

Early Career
 Ryland Matthews was born in Salem, Oregon on Earth in 2339. He attended Starfleet Academy and graduated in the Class of 2357. Matthews served in Starfleet Intelligence for five years, rising up through the ranks quickly and showing a keen tactical mind that has earned him trust among the admiralty at Starfleet Command. By 2363, then Commander Matthews was promoted to Captain and was assigned command of the USS Lexington.

Admiralty
After 5 years in command of the Lexington, Captain Matthews was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and was given the command of the Reconnaissance Wing of the 7th Fleet, which was assigned to enforcement of the Federation-Cardassian Armistice along what would eventually become the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). When the DMZ was established in 2370, the USS Lexington was assigned to patrol along the border. Admiral Matthews requested the Lexington as his personal flagship, and remained aboard until the outbreak of the war with the Dominion.

Dominion War
During the Dominion War, the need for experienced command officers was great, and both the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Lexington were promoted and assigned elsewhere, so Admiral Matthews assumed command of the Lexington, and promoted his adjutant to Executive Officer. In the beginning of the war, the Lexington was assigned to the 7th Fleet. The 7th Fleet was dispatched to the Tyra System to halt a Dominion advance in 2374. The fleet was ambushed and the majority of the fleet was destroyed. The Lexington was severely damaged, but survived the engagement. The fleet all but destroyed, the Lexington returned to Earth and was sent to Utopia Planitia for repairs. In late 2375, the Lexington returned to duty, and served the remainder of the war assigned to the fleet defending Vulcan. When the war ended, Admiral Matthews stepped down from command of the Lexington, after promoting his adjutant to Captain and turning command over to her. Rear Admiral Matthews was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral (Upper Half) and accepted a position at Starfleet Headquarters in the Logisitics division.

Retirement
After 30 years in Starfleet, Rear Admiral Matthews retired in 2389. He returned home to Oregon and spent time with his family and friends. He also served as a civilian consultant to Starfleet's General Policy Board, and was invited to the christening of the re-launch of the USS Lexington after it was refitted in the 2390s. As the turn of the century approached, tensions began mounting with the Klingon Empire. As war appeared imminent, many veteran officers were recalled to service by the Admiral of Starfleet. In 2401, at the request of Admiral Quinn, Rear Admiral Matthews returned to active service.

Post Retirement
After the war with the Klingons, where Rear Admiral Matthews had served as the Commanding Officer of the 19th Fleet, Matthews was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral. In recognition of his service, Admiral Quinn permanently assigned the USS Lexington as Admiral Matthew's flagship. During the Undine crisis, Vice Admiral Matthews worked side by side with Admiral Tuvok in the defense of Earth, and was a critical officer in the forging of a renewed alliance with the Klingon Empire. In 2409, at the request of Admiral Tuvok, Admiral Matthews took command of the Delta Expedition. Currently, Admiral Matthews is serving aboard the USS Lexington as the Delta Expedition Commander, and is attempting to form a coalition to stop the Vaadwaur advance in the Alsuran Sector.  Admiral Matthews has served for 41 years, and has been decorated by Starfleet as follows:

Ryland Matthews is the descendant of legendary Starfleet officer Commodore Arthur Matthews.
 * Field Promotion (Lieutenant)
 * Service Medallion (5, 10, 20, 30 & 40 Year)
 * Dominion War Veteran's Ribbon
 * Klingon War Veteran's Ribbon
 * Iconian War Veteran's Ribbon
 * Starfleet Intelligence Tour of Duty Ribbon
 * Admiral's Commendation (2370)
 * Grankite Order of Tactics
 * Starfleet Medal of Valor
 * Star Cross