Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Ross "Bummer" Thomas
A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Cmdr. Ross “Bummer” Thomas graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Following completion of the Voluntary Graduate Education Program at Georgetown University in December 2007, Thomas reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for flight training in January 2008. He earned his naval aviator wings in October 2009. In November 2009, Thomas reported to the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 40, the “Airwolves,” for initial fleet training as an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter fleet replacement pilot, earning the “Hawk” award for his fleet replacement squadron class.
Thomas began his operational flying in September 2010 with the “Easy Riders” of HSL-37. He completed two deployments as an Easy Rider aboard USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), participating in Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2011, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, and Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013. Thomas also completed multiple HSL/Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) Advanced Readiness Programs, earning distinction as the top crew in Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program (HARP) 1203 and both the HSL-37 and Naval Helicopter Association Region 6 Pilot of the Year award for 2013.
Thomas reported to the Airwolves of HSM-40 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot in January 2014 and completed transition to the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter in June 2014. During his tour with the Airwolves, he served as the Chief Flight Instructor and Squadron Standardization Officer responsible for training and standardization for a wardroom of more than thirty seasoned instructor pilots. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Florida during his tour.
Thomas reported to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 on board Naval Station Mayport, Florida, in February 2017 as the Aviation Training Team Officer. He left active duty in November 2017 and reported immediately to the “Jaguars” of HSM-60 for duty as a Selected Reservist (SELRES) naval aviator. While with the Jaguars, Thomas completed multiple iterations of Exercise Southern Strike, culminating as Officer‑in‑Charge of the HSM-60 Exercise Southern Strike detachment in 2021. He also completed an HSM Advanced Readiness Program and subsequent underway period aboard USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), participating in the 2022 NATO Standing Maritime Group 2 operational deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean. He completed a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy degree from Johns Hopkins University during his tour with HSM-60. He was selected for squadron command in March 2023 and reported to HSM-60 as Executive Officer in August 2024.
Thomas now serves as the Commanding Officer of HMM-60 as of August 2025.
He has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in two H-60 Seahawk helicopter series aircraft. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service awards and ribbons.