Commander Gregory J. Thompson, a native of Huntington, New York, is a 1999 graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology and Oceanography (Marine Environmental Science) as well as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine License of Third Mate Unlimited. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
Following initial Surface Warfare Officer School training in Newport, Rhode Island, Thompson’s first sea duty was in USS Sides (FFG 14) where he served as Communications Officer and Assistant Operations Officer, and completed a deployment to the Western Pacific in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2000. Sides won consecutive Battle E’s during his tour in 1999 and 2000. His next assignment was in USS O’Kane (DDG 77) as Assistant Operations Officer. While assigned to O’Kane, he completed a seven-month deployment to the Persian Gulf and performed as Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom during the Shock and Awe Campaign. As a Department Head, Thompson served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer on USS Antietam (CG 54), where the ship completed a year-long Chief of Naval Operations Availability and extensive modernization process validated through multiple successful Standard Missile firings. His tour culminated in the hull swap between USS Antietam and USS Cowpens (CG 63).
In 2005, following his shore duty assignment as Operation Officer, Test Control Officer, and later Executive Officer of Military Entrance Processing Station, Syracuse New York, Thompson transitioned to the Selected Reserves where he completed drilling requirements at Naval Operational Support Center New York City and was a member of Naval Cooperation and Guidance of Shipping Unit ALPHA. In 2006, Thompson completed his postgraduate studies at Columbia College where he earned a Master of Business Administration Degree. He was employed in various civilian and merchant marine positions before returning to Active Naval Service in December 2008. Thompson later earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies while assigned to the College of Naval Command and Staff at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Most recently, he completed another seven-month deployment as the Command and Control, Computers, Communication, Combat and Information Systems Officer in USS Boxer (LHD 4). While deployed, Boxer embarked the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and participated in numerous operations in the Seventh and Fifth Fleet Areas of Responsibility. Thompson reported as Executive Officer of AEGIS Technical Representative in November 2016.
Thompson's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars, and various campaign, unit commendations, and service medals.