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Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 7 “Roughnecks”

Commander Matthew G. Thompson

Commanding Officer, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 7

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VIRIN: 230317-N-OR184-1001

A native of Vienna, Virginia, Commander Thompson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. CDR Thompson was commissioned and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in June 2007. In July 2007, CDR Thompson reported to the VQ-7 “Roughnecks” for initial fleet training as an E-6B pilot.

CDR Thompson began his operational flying in March 2008 with the “Shadows” of VQ-4. While a “Shadow”, he qualified as an E-6B Instructor Pilot and Mission Commander Evaluator. During this tour CDR Thompson was selected as the Strategic Communications Wing ONE TACAMO Pilot of the year for 2010.

CDR Thompson reported to the VT 10 “Wildcats” at NAS Pensacola, FL in April 2011 for instructor duty flying the T-6A Texan, teaching student naval flight officers in the primary and intermediate phase of flight training. CDR Thompson next reported aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in April 2014, where he served as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer. He then reported to the “Ironmen” of VQ-3 for his Department Head tour, where he served as the Safety and Operations Officer.

Following his department head tour, CDR Thompson served as Chief, Plans and Policy and watch crew commander at the Missile Warning Center in Cheyenne Mountain AFS, Colorado.

CDR Thompson has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours in various naval aircraft. He holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Technology from the US Naval Postgraduate School. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.

Leaders

Commander Matthew G. Thompson

Commanding Officer, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 7

Commander Ryan Heykens

Executive Officer, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 7

Bio coming soon


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