Commander Thomas R. Bock, a native of Naperville, Illinois, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2005.  CDR Bock completed flight training at NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, Texas.  Designated as a Naval Aviator in October 2007, he reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, Virginia, flying the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

CDR Bock’s first fleet tour with the “Gunslingers” of VFA105 from 2008 to 2012 included a combat deployment in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75). 
 
In 2012, CDR Bock reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 as an instructor pilot in the F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and T-34C Turbo Mentor.  In 2015 he accepted a Global Support Assignment as a Fires Support Chief in support of a Joint Special Operations Task Force conducting Overseas Contingency Operations.

CDR Bock returned to the fleet as a Department Head with the “Argonauts” of VFA-147 in Lemoore, California in November 2016.  While with the Argonauts, he deployed aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and transitioned the squadron from the F/A-18E Super Hornet to the F-35C Lightning II as the Maintenance Officer.

Following his department head tour, CDR Bock reported to the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125 in March 2019 to serve as the Operations Officer, Command Government Program Manager, and instructor pilot.

Currently, CDR Bock is the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s second operational F-35C squadron, the “Warhawks” of VFA-97.

CDR Bock has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours and more than 500 arrested landings. His decorations include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) along with various unit and service-related awards.

Last Updated: 6 February 2024