CDR Tom “White Tiger” Herrold is a native of  St. Joseph, Michigan.  He graduated with a degree in Business from Michigan State University in 1998.  In May 2001, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida, where he was commissioned from Officer Candidate School in August 2001 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 2003.  He next received orders to the “Grim Reapers” of VF-101 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for initial fleet training in the F-14 “Tomcat”.  After VF-101 he was assigned to the “Pukin’ Dogs” of VF-143 where he was the AME and PR Branch Head.  While with the Pukin’ Dogs, CDR Herrold made one combat deployment aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) participating in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  In February 2006, CDR Herrold was assigned to VF-11, the “Red Rippers”.  At VF-11 he was the AE and IWT Branch Head Officer, the NATOPS Officer, and the Air-to-Air Weapons Training Officer.  During this time, VF-11 transitioned to the F/A-18 ”Super Hornet” and became designated as VFA-11.  

In July 2007, White Tiger reported to China Lake, California, and joined Air Test & Evaluation Squandron Nine (VX-9), the “Vampires”.  During his time at VX-9, White Tiger was the Special Programs Operational Test Director charged with the testing and evaluation of weapons and their related systems in an operationally-relevant environment, as well as assisting in developing advanced warfighting tactics for the Fleet operator.

In July 2010, CDR Herrold was assigned to Carrier Strike Group Five permanently embarked aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan where he served as the Strike Operations Officer while supporting Operation TOMODACHI.

In July 2012, CDR Herrold joined VFA-41, the “Black Aces” for his Department Head tour.  While with the Black Aces, White Tiger completed one combat deployment aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM serving as the Assistant Operations Officer, Administrative Officer, and Maintenance Officer for the Black Aces.

In February 2015, White Tiger reported to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Casteau, Belgium where he served as the RESOLUTE SUPPORT Force Generation Team Lead assisting the mission in Afghanistan.

In August 2018, CDR Herrold next received orders to USS NIMITZ where he served as the Strike Operations Officer and the Operations Officer during one combat deployment in support of OPERATION FREEEDOM’S SENTINEL and the RESOLUTE SUPPORT MISSION.

CDR Herrold’s awards include the Meritious Service Award, the Navy Commendation Medal (3), the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit service awards and medals.  CDR Herrold is married to his incredibly beautiful wife, Kelly.  They have two awesome children together; Summer and Spencer.  White Tiger enjoys spending time with his family, doing anything outdoors, and restoring his 1969 Ford Bronco

Last Updated: 20 May 2022