Capt. Tom Merkle
Capt. Tom Merkle, a native of St. Louis, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature.
Upon completion of the naval nuclear officer and submarine officer training pipelines in 2000, Capt. Merkle reported to the fast attack submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN 688), where he earned submarine officer warfare qualification and served as the main propulsion assistant, damage control assistant, and communications pfficer, taking part in two Western Pacific deployments, RIMPAC 2002, and a 10-month drydocked nuclear availability. During this time, USS Los Angeles was awarded the Battle E for warfighting efficiency. In 2003, Capt. Merkle reported to Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific (COMSUBPAC) as a watch officer, and in the operations department as a RIMPAC 2004 submarine planner. In 2004, he was accepted for lateral transfer to information professional (IP), now part of the information warfare officer community. In 2006, he earned a Master of Science in Space Systems Operations Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
From 2006-2009, Cmdr. Merkle was the C4I systems engineering and tactical communications branch head at Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S J61). From 2009-2011, he served as the data center and IT division deputy for the Department of the Navy Assistant for Administration (DON/AA) and was the continuity planner for the Navy Secretariat. He next reported as the flag communications officer for Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 11 in San Diego, and Everett, Washington, where he led preparation for staff embarkation aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Aboard Nimitz, CCSG-11 participated in RIMPAC 2012, and in 2013 deployed to the Western Pacific, and U.S. Central Command areas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
From December 2013 to 2016, Capt. Merkle was assigned to the deputy chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N2/N6), assured C2 division (F1), as the terrestrial communications requirements officer. Then from 2015-2016, he served at OPNAV as the deputy branch head for Networks (N2/N6F12B). From January 2017 to 2018, he reported to the staff of Commander, Naval Forces Europe / Commander, Naval Forces Africa / Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet (CNE-CNA-C6F), in Naples, Italy, as the deputy director, Communications and Networks (N6A).
Capt. Merkle is currently the executive officer of Naval Computers and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Naples, Italy.
His decorations include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, and other personal, unit and campaign awards.