Commander Thomas E. Cunningham, III
CDR Cunningham is a native of Florida. He was awarded a four year NROTC scholarship to attend the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. CDR Cunningham received his commission in 2001.
CDR Cunningham began his sea tours in December of 2001, aboard USS CAPE ST GEORGE (CG 71), where he served as the Electrical Officer. In January of 2004, CDR Cunningham reported to the USS LABOON (DDG 58), and later to DDG Crew Lima, where he served as the Navigator on the USS LABOON (DDG 58), USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), and USS STOUT (DDG 55) for the East Coast DDG Crew Swap Experiment. He continued his sea tours in January 2009, when he reported to USS MCFAUL (DDG 74) and served until December 2011 as the Weapons Officer fleeting up to the Combat Systems Officer. Following his Department Head tour, CDR Cunningham assumed Command of PATROL COASTAL CREW INDIA in June 2012, which transitioned to USS MONSOON (PC 4) in August 2013.
CDR Cunningham’s tours “ashore” include the Weapons, Anti-Terrorism, and Training Officer of Naval Coastal Warfare / Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron FOUR from October 2005 to December 2007, and as the as the Officer in Charge of the Riverine, Security Boat, and MK VI Patrol Boat Company at Coastal Riverine Squadron FOUR from July 2014 to July of 2017.
CDR Cunningham assumed Command of the USS LABOON (DDG 58) in July of 2019, after fleeting from his tour there as the Executive Officer from December 2017 to April 2019.
CDR Cunningham’s has conducted seven deployments through the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf, and his personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and service awards.