FCACS Thomas E. Bender Jr.
Senior Enlisted Leader, Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Poland
04 February 2022
Senior Chief Petty Officer Bender was born in Akron, OH on December 31, 1987. He enlisted in the Navy on November 2005, and attended boot camp at RTC Great Lakes June 26, 2006.
In November 2007, he reported to his first command, USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) home ported in Pearl Harbor HI. During his time with DDG-60 he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Qualification, advanced to Second Class Petty Officer and awarded Sailor of the Year CY2010.
In January 2011, he reported to USS Lake Erie where he was instrumental in the BMD 4.0.1 AEGIS Baseline installation and 6 Flight Test Missions as CF LPO. During his tour, he advanced to Petty Officer First Class
In May 2014, he reported to Navy Recruiting District Ohio as a production recruiter. While stationed at NRD Ohio, he was the LCPO of four stations. Selected as Chief Petty Officer in 2014.
In August 2017, He reported to his current assignment as White Team 1 CSC at US Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (USAAMDS) Detachment Poland. In 2021, selected as Senior Chief Petty Officer. Tasked with USFF mandated requirements he was sent to a temporary duty on board USS Arleigh Burke on their first FDNF-E Patrol. He is currently acting as Senior Enlisted Leader in USAAMDS Detachment Poland.
Senior Chief Bender’s awards and decorations include the following: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), and various unit and campaign awards.