Commander Andrew Thom

Executive Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142

26 October 2020 A native of Yorktown, Virginia, CDR Thom graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.  He commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in the fall of 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in November 2007, and reported to the VFA-106 “Gladiators” for initial fleet training as a F/A-18C pilot. 

CDR Thom began his operational flying in December 2008 with the “Raging Bulls” of VFA-37.  While a “Bull,” he deployed aboard USS HARRY TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  Additionally, he was awarded the squadron’s LT Kevin P. Colling Award for Tactical Excellence and Airborne Leadership.  Following this tour, CDR Thom reported back to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 as an instructor pilot.

In November of 2014, he returned to the fleet as the Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1) Air Warfare Officer, where he deployed aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. 

CDR Thom transitioned to the EA-18G in the spring of 2016, and reported as a Department Head to VAQ-131, the “Lancers.”  While with the Lancers, he deployed aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Following his department head tour, CDR Thom attended the United States Naval War College, where he graduated with distinction.  In December of 2020, he reported to the “Gray Wolves” of VAQ-142 as Executive Officer.

CDR Thom has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours and 400 carrier arrested landings.  His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (3 awards), and various campaign and unit awards.  He currently resides in Anacortes, WA with his wife, Jeanette, and their three children, Wyatt, Sawyer, and Cora.