Security Levels


 

  National Threat Level: Elevated
CDR Bob Thomas

ALC Executive Officer

CDR Bob Thomas

XO's Biography

Born in Bermuda and raised in a Coast Guard family as the son of a Master Chief, he claims no hometown and enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1981. After attending Basic Training in Cape May, NJ, he attended Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) “A” School in Elizabeth City, NC, graduating as an Airman (ANAT) and the Honor Graduate. He then reported to Air Station Elizabeth City where he served from 1982 – 1986 as an Avionicsman and Instructor on the HH–3F Helicopter, HU–25 Falcon Jet, and the VC–4A (CG–02). He also often served aboard HC–130's as a Radioman trainee. As a 1st Class AT, he attended the Navy's AVIC–7 Advance Aviation Electronics “B” School in Millington, TN, receiving the Honor Graduate distinction and subsequent orders to the Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City as an AT “A” School Instructor in 1987.

In 1990 he graduated from CG Officer Candidate School (OCS), located at TRACEN Yorktown, VA. He remained at the TRACEN as a “Summer Ensign” to help indoctrine the next two OCS classes. Following that interesting leadership experience of “influencing” the candidates, he reported for Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL for basic and intermediate fixed wing training, completing multi–engine/advanced fixed wing training at NAS Corpus Christi, TX. After earning his wings in 1992 he was assigned to Air Station Miami, FL where he flew the HU–25 executing Search and Rescue, Air Intercept, and migrant operations missions throughout the Caribbean and Central America.

He was selected for Aviation Maintenance Officer Training and transferred to the Aviation Training Center, Mobile, AL in 1998. Upon completion of the Student Engineering Syllabus he became the HU–25 Engineering Officer and also served as an Operations Division Instructor Pilot. In 2002 he fleeted up to the Assistant Aeronautical Engineering Officer position, then after one year received orders back to Air Station Miami. Following three–years as an Assistant Aeronautical Engineering Officer in Miami and the completion of a Bachelor or Science in Applied Science and Technology during his “leisure” time, he was assigned to the Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) as the first HC–144 “CASA” Division Chief. During his tenure he made several trips to the CASA manufacturing and training facility in Seville, Spain to evolve the HC–144 logistical support for pilot training in Spain, asset sustainment and to conduct aircraft acceptance inspections. A year later, he was assigned as the HU–25 Product Line Manager, and in 2008 he ascended to the ALC Chief Engineer position as the Engineering Services Division Chief. During his spare time, he completed a Master of Science in Quality Systems Management and in 2009 fleeted up to his position of Executive Officer.

Commander Thomas maintains his HU–25 Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot and Airline Transport Pilot qualifications with over 4,500 hours in type, having served as an Instructor at each of his assigned units. His peronal military awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, the Dept. of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award, seven Coast Guard Unit Commendation Awards, four Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, six Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendations, Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation, two Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, three Humanitarian Service Medals, Transportation 9–11 Ribbon, Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon, Coast Guard Rifle Marsman Ribbon. Commander Thomas’ family include his wife, Glenda, three sons, and “baby” daughter.

Last Modified 6/30/2009