Cmdr. Thomas D. McCandless
Commanding Officer, Afloat Training Group Norfolk
04 January 2021
A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico Commander McCandless graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies, and was subsequently commissioned via the NROTC program in 2003.
At sea, Commander McCandless served as the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer on USS MITSCHER (DDG 57), during which he completed a 9 month tour to the Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Operation in support of maritime security, as well as a short notice surge deployment in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. Additional tours include Main Propulsion and Communications Officer aboard USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50); Fire Control Officer and Plank Owner aboard USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101); Weapons and Combat Systems Officer aboard USS ANZIO (CG 68); and assistant N3 to Commander, Carrier Strike Group EIGHT.
Ashore, his assignments include Officer in Charge and Plank Owner of Heliborne VBSS detachment under Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron THREE; Orders Manager on the staff of U.S. Forces Iraq Joint Operations Center; and Global Force Management Planner on the staff of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Additionally, he completed an assignment to the U.S. Naval War College, where he earned a Masters of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies, as well as completing the Maritime Advanced Warfighting School cirriculum, earning the JP-1/Operational Planner designation. Most recently, he served as Director of Fleet Enlisted Engineering (N77) at Surface Warfare Schools Command
Commander McCandless’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and various unit and service awards.
Commander McCandless assumed Command of Afloat Training Group Norfolk in July 2022.