Capt. Thomas, a native of Nashport, Ohio, graduated with highest distinction earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1997, with distinction from the United States Naval War College in 2011, and from Navy Nuclear Power School in 2018.  He earned his wings of gold in 1999 and was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 for initial training as an E-2C Hawkeye Replacement Pilot.
 
Thomas assumed command of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in August 2023.
 
At sea, Thomas served as Commanding Officer of USS Portland (LPD 27), Executive Officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and as Commanding Officer of the “Sun Kings” of VAW-116.  In addition, he served at sea as a junior officer with VAW-124, as an Air Wing Staff Landing Signals Officer (LSO) forward deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, as department head with VAW-117, and Executive Officer of VAW-116. 
 
Ashore, he served as an Instructor Pilot with VAW-120 and as the Joint Staff, J-3 in the Deputy Directorate for Nuclear, Command and Control, and Homeland Defense (NC2HD).
 
While in command, his Sailors earned Battle “E” Efficiency and CNO Safety ‘S’ awards, and the Akers Award for Airborne Early Warning Excellence.
 
He has over 4,300 flight hours in the E-2C, E-2D, and F/A-18 and completed over 500 carrier arrestments.  He was a 2015 recipient of the Navy Marine Corps Association Leadership award. As an avid runner, he competed in two World Military Marathon Championships and numerous All-Navy competitions.  He is married to a former Naval Intelligence Officer, Kalee, and has two children, Rodney and Matthew.