Christopher Thomas
Chief of Staff
Captain Christopher B. Thomas received his commision in 1984 from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Following graduation, he reported to the Navy Staff in Washington D.C. where he worked in the SSN 688 procurement program until reporting to Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida. Completing the Nuclear Power Training, and Submarine School, he reported to USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723) in February 1986 where he served as Reactor Control Assistant, and Main Propulsion Assistant.
In July 1989, Captain Thomas reported to Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master of Science degree specializing in Plasma Physics.
Following Department Head School in Groton, Connecticut, he served as Engineer Officer in USS PARGO (SSN 650) from July 1992 to May 1995, where he conducted two arctic deployments and one northern Atlantic deployment before decommissioning the ship in Bremerton, Washington. Following defueling of USS PARGO (SSN 650), Captain Thomas assumed duties of Executive Officer until completion of the ship's inactivation.
In June 1995, Captain Thomas reported to Defense Special Weapons Agency where he managed programs for advanced air defense architectures and theater missile defense systems focusing on defense of the Korean Peninsula, and NATO's southern flank.
After completing the Executive Officer training program, he reported to USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN 642) in June 1997. During his tour as Executive Officer, he made three western pacific deployments in support of Naval Special Warfare, and the ship received the BATTLE EFFICIENCY award.
Following Prospective Commanding Officer training, Captain Thomas reported for assignment as Deputy for Operations for Submarine Squadron One in March 2000.
In August 2000, Captain Thomas assumed command of USS LOS ANGELES (SSN 688) and completed two western pacific deployments, one in support of Naval Special Warfare, conducted five missions vital to national security, and was awarded the BATTLE EFFICIENCY award for 2003 and Meritorious Unit Commendation. In October 2003, he reported to Commander, Carrier Strike Group TEN as the Assistant Chief of Staff for C4I where he completed a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. From 2005 to 2008 he served on Commander Submarine Force staff as the Submarine Operations Officer for CTG 20.3 and CTF 46, and Special Operations Officer. From August, 2008 to September 2010, Captain Thomas was assigned as Commodore, Submarine Squadron SIX in Norfolk, Virginia. In October, 2010 he assumed duty as Chief of Staff, Carrier Strike Group TEN.
Captain Thomas is entitled to wear the Legion of Merit Medal with one gold star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, the Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and Navy Achievement Medal with one gold star.