Cmdr. Thomas D. McCandless

Cmdr. Thomas D. McCandless is a native of New Mexico, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies from the University of New Mexico in 2003.

At sea, he served as main propulsion and communications division officer aboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), fire control officer aboard USS Gridley (DDG 101), and as the weapons and combat systems officer aboard USS Anzio (CG 68).
 
His staff assignments include Mobile Security Squadron (MSS) 3 Helicopter Visit Board Search and Seizure (HVBSS) Team Detachment 5 officer in charge; U.S. Forces-Iraq orders manager; Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8 assistant surface operations officer; and the ballistic missile defense and amphibious asset manager at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
 
Cmdr. McCandless received a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He has been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), and various service awards.