VT-7 Leadership

Commanding Officer

A native of Parsons, Kansas, Commander Thompson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science in English. After receiving his commission, CDR Thompson reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in November 2005, and earned his Wings of Gold from Training Squadron SEVEN in January 2008. CDR Thompson reported to the VFA-125 "Rough Raiders" in Lemoore, CA for initial fleet training in the F/A-18 Hornet.

CDR Thompson began his operational flying in August of 2009 with the "Dambusters" of VFA-195, where he completed four western Pacific deployments aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as part of the U.S. Navy's only forward deployed carrier air wing. During this tour, CDR Thompson participated in the squadron's transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet.

CDR Thompson reported to the "Gladiators" of VFA-106 in February 2013 to instruct the next generation of Fleet Replacement aviators. He participated in numerous detachments to El Centro, California; Key West, Florida; and aboard numerous aircraft carriers while serving as the Assistant Safety Department Head. Following his FRS tour, CDR Thompson reported to Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN for a brief CVW LSO tour. He earned his LSO Staff Qualification in May of 2016.

CDR Thompson returned to the fleet as a Department Head in VFA-105, the "Gunslingers". While there he completed an arduous combat deployment aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, serving as both Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer while leading the squadron in both combat missions flown and ordnance released.

After VFA-105, CDR Thompson was selected to attend the U.S. Naval War College. He reported to Newport, RI in February of 2018 to begin a graduate degree program. In March of 2019, CDR Thompson graduated with distinction and earned a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies.

Following his time in Newport, CDR Thompson served as an action officer, Joint Staff, J-6 Directorate, and directly supported the Cybersecurity Division by assessing more than 50 Joint Information Systems. While on the Joint Staff, he was selected to serve as the Executive Assistant to the Director, Joint Staff J-6. He selected for squadron command in March 2020 and currently serves as Commanding Officer to the "Eagles" of Training Squadron SEVEN (VT-7) in Meridian, Mississippi.

CDR Thompson has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours and 508 carrier arrested landings, including 23 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.