Eric Thomas

Eric was then stationed on the Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor, WA, Whidby Island Neval Base that is considered the premier Naval Aviation Installation in the Pacific Northwest and the location of all electronic attack squadrons flying the E A-6B Prowler and the E A-18 G Growler. It is also the home to the four P 3 Orion Maritime Patrol Squadrons and 2nd Fleet Reconnaissance Squadrons that fly the E P -3E Airers. This is the type of plane that Eric served on. With his squadron, Eric served as an In-flight Technician and flew all over the world visiting every continent in the world except, Australia and Antarctica.

During his Naval career, Eric was awarded various accommodations including a Letter of Commendation from Rear Admiral. J. W. Stevenson, Jr,, US Navy Commander, US Naval Forces in Southern Command for superior performance of his duties while serving as In-Flight Technician for Combat Reconnaissance Crew Eleven (CRC-11) during fleet air reconnaissance squadron deployment in support of US Naval Forces Southern Command from October 2007 to March 2008, an assignment he performed flawlessly with the utmost professionalism. He performed more than 46 missions, and 388 flight hours and was critical in support of ongoing counter Narco-Terrorism operation in the U.S. Southern Command Area. Additionally, his efforts were vital to the first ever Chief of Naval Operations authorized EP-3 Gas-and-Go Operation upon activation of operation Willing Spirit. He was further awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from October 2005 to March 2010 accumulating 2051 flight hours including 114 combat flights contributing to sustainment of overall mission completion rate of 98%. Petty Officer Eric M. Thomas’ exceptional professionalism and unrelenting devotion to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest standards of the United Stats Naval Service.

Upon discharge from the U.S. Navy, Eric applied himself and was able to further his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln achieving his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Upon graduation he move with his family to Wichita, KS, where he is now employed in a career as an Aeronautical Engineer.