HT-18 Leadership

Executive Officer

Commander Thomas C. "CATT" Viger a native of Bloomingdale, Illinois graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2008 with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in History. CDR Viger was commissioned through the NROTC program and was designated a Naval Aviator in May of 2010.

Upon completion of the MH-60R FRS training in March of 2011, CDR Viger reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 in Jacksonville, Florida. While at HSM-74, CDR Viger supported multiple exercises and in 2013-2014 deployed aboard USS San Jacinto CG (56) and USS Harry S. Truman CVN (75) in support of U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet. CDR Viger's second sea tour was aboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8) from December 2016 to October 2018. While aboard USS Makin Island, he served as V-3 Division Officer, Mini Boss, and earned his Officer of the Deck Underway qualification in support of U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet.

CDR Viger completed his department head tour at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 from March 2019 to September 2021. He deployed with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 as Officer in Charge aboard USS Kidd (DDG 100) from December 2019 to September 2020 in support of US 4th and 7th Fleet. He assumed the duties of HSM-75 Operations Officer and deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) from November 2020 to May 2021 in support of U.S. 7th Fleet.

Ashore, CDR Viger served at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor from February 2014 to November of 2016. CDR Viger completed his Joint tour at HQ NATO Maritime Command in Northwood, United Kingdom from September 2021 to January 2024, serving in the Theater Maritime Operations Center Directorate.

CDR Viger has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in the T-34C, TH-57, TH-73, and MH-60R. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.