Executive OFFICER

Cmdr. Ross Thomas

A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Cmdr. 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, Cmdr. Thomas reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida for flight training in January 2008. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in October 2009. In November 2009, Cmdr. Thomas reported to the HSL-40 “Airwolves” for initial fleet training as an SH-60B Fleet Replacement Pilot, earning the “Hawk” award for his FRS class.

Cmdr. 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 CARAT 2011, Exercise RIMPAC 2012, and Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013. During this tour with HSL-37, Cmdr. Thomas completed multiple HSL/HSM Advanced Readiness Programs, earning distinction as the top crew in HARP 1203 and both the HSL-37 and Naval Helicopter Association Region Six Pilot of the Year award for 2013.

Cmdr. 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 in June 2014. During his tour with the “Airwolves,” Cmdr. Thomas served as the chief flight instructor and squadron standardization officer responsible for training and standardization for a wardroom of more than 30 seasoned instructor pilots. He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Florida during his shore tour.

Cmdr. Thomas reported to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 onboard 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,” Cmdr. 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 Two operational deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean. He selected for squadron command in March 2023 and is scheduled to report to HSM-60 as executive officer in August 2024.

Cmdr. Thomas has accumulated over 1,900 flight hours in two H-60 series aircraft. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.