CAPT J. Patrick Thompson III is a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture.   CAPT Thompson also holds Masters degrees in Systems Analysis and National Security/Strategic studies. 
 
Upon the completion of flight training in Pensacola in 1999, CAPT Thompson completed operational assignments as a Naval Aviator at various helicopter squadrons: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 as a division officer, Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron (HCS) 4 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 84 as a department head, and HS-14 as a department head. CAPT Thompson served as executive officer and commanding officer at HSC-85 between 2014 and 2015.  After the completion of his nuclear training, he served as executive officer onboard USS John C. Stennis for 2.5 years, to include the 2018-2019 around-the-world deployment.  From 2021 to 2022, CAPT Thompson brought USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) back to life after a 3.5-year availability and led the ship through the Basic Phase in preparation for her first operational tasking in nearly four years. Throughout these tours, CAPT Thompson deployed eleven times, supporting numerous named operations.  
 
CAPT Thompson’s shore tours include an instructor pilot tour at HSC-3 a staff officer tour at U.S. Special Operations Command in the Policy, Plans, and Strategy Directorate, and Chief of Staff at Commander Air Forces Atlantic. 
  
CAPT Thompson has logged over 3000 flight hours in various H-60 aircraft.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (one Combat V and seven Strike Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards and one Combat V), Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit level awards. 

CAPT Thompson will assume command of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in May 2023.