Cmdr. Cameron R. Thomas
Executive Officer, Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Texas
22 July 2024
Cmdr. Cameron Thomas graduated from RTC San Diego in August 1992, and attended DLI, Aircrew and SERE school from 1993 until 1994. Following A school he was assigned to Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Rota, Spain where he flew with VQ-2, VPU-1, and VQ-6 on multiple deployments.
In 1997 after his first tour, Cmdr. Thomas was honorably discharged from the Navy. After two years as a civilian, he was recalled to active duty in 1999 for service in Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. Upon returning from the deployment, he reenlisted and was once again posted to NSGA Rota Spain as an Aircrewman. While in Rota, Cmdr. Thomas qualified as Airborne Supervisor and CRM Instructor.
Following his second tour at NSGA Rota, he was selected for duty as an interpreter in the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. While at DLI for the Russian Interpreter course Cmdr. Thomas was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. He was then assigned to the Open Skies Treaty based at Ft Belvoir, Va., where he served as Senior Interpreter and Sensor Operator on numerous treaty missions. In 2007, he was commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer (6440) and received orders to Naval Information Operations Command (NIOC) Texas.
At NIOC Texas, Cmdr. Thomas served as Air Division Officer and NIOC OIC, making deployments to CENTCOM and SOUTHCOM AORs. Additionally, he was designated a Fleet NATOPS Evaluator.
In 2010, Cmdr. Thomas received orders to NIOC Menwith Hill, UK, and served as a Navy Department Head and Senior Military Officer for the site’s New Mission Development Division.
After completing his tour in the UK, Cmdr. Thomas reported aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt for duty as the ship’s Information Warfare Officer. While aboard, Cmdr. Thomas led his divisions (SSES and EW Mod) from the shipyards, through all phases of workups and on to the 2015 deployment.
Later, Cmdr. Thomas served as Deputy Team Lead for 600 CMT at NIOC Texas. During this tour he was assigned for a six-month rotation as one of five lead Cyber planners for JTF ARES where he developed global cyber campaign plans.
Following his tour with 600 CMT, Cmdr. Thomas attended the Air Force Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Ala., where he earned his master’s degree and JPME Phase I while distinguishing himself by winning the Atlantic Council 2019 Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge (ACSC) as part of the ACSC team.
Having graduated ACSC, Cmdr. Thomas took charge as the USFF Fleet CRC where he oversaw cryptologic tasking for CTF80 and C2F. He was additionally responsible for advising on development of new cryptologic tools, programs, and equipment.
Concluding his time at USFF, Cmdr. Thomas then reported to IWTG Norfolk where he took over as Director of Training for EW, Cryptologic, and Cyber training and evaluations for all east coast and Europe based ships.
While at IWTG Norfolk Cmdr. Thomas promoted to Commander and received orders to CCSG-8 serving as DIWC and the Integrated Fires Officer. Aboard CCSG-8 Cmdr. Thomas deployed aboard USS Harry S Truman and conducted workups for the following deployment.
Cmdr. Thomas currently serves as Executive Officer for NIOC Texas.
He holds a BS in Russian from Excelsior University and a Master of Military Operational Arts from Air University. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike / Flight) (10 awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and Navy / Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).