Commanding Officer

CAPT Lance E. Thompson, USN

Captain Lance Thompson enlisted in the Navy in 1988. After completing the nuclear enlisted pipeline, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program (Nuclear option). He graduated from Auburn University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. In 2002, he earned a master’s in engineering management from Southern Methodist University.

At sea he served as a Division Officer on USS Maine (SSBN 741) (GOLD), making six strategic deterrent patrols. As Engineer on USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) (GOLD) making four strategic deterrent patrols. As Executive Officer on USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) deploying to 5^th and 7^th Fleet Area of Operation. He was the commanding officer of USS Chicago (SSN 721) from September 2013 to May 2016. While in command, his crew earned a Navy Unit Commendation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Battle Efficiency “E” Awards.

His shore assignments include tours as advisor and instructor at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command; junior member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Operational Analyst for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation; Deputy for Mission Readiness for SUBRON-15, Senior Member of the Combat Readiness Evaluation Team for Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Deputy for Training for SUBRON-1 and commanding officer of Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific.

Thompson served on teams that have been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, four Meritorious Unit Commendations and six Navy “E” Ribbons. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).

Executive Officer

CDR Matthew E. Wood, USN

CDR Matthew E. Wood was born and raised in Plain City, Ohio. He received a Superintendent’s appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 2001 and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Economics. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in March 2007.

Following flight school, CDR Wood reported in April 2008 to the “Sandemen” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO, VQ-2, at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, flying the EP-3E ARIES II. While attached to VQ-2, he completed six detachments to the FOURTH and FIFTH Fleet areas of operation. He completed the EP-3E Weapons and Tactics Instructor course and served as the squadron NFO Senior Evaluator Instructor and a Mission Commander.

CDR Wood then reported to the “Pro’s Nest” of Patrol Squadron THREE ZERO, VP-30, at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, in May 2011 to serve as a Fleet Replacement Squadron EP-3E NFO Instructor. During his tour he split his duties between VP-30, the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School, and the MQ-4C Triton Fleet Integration Team.

He next reported to the “Wizards” of Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO (VPU-2) at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in December 2013 for his disassociated sea tour flying the P-3C Orion. He served as the NFO Instructor Sensor Coordinator and Configurations Department Division Officer supporting worldwide operations. While at VPU-2, CDR Wood was selected as the 2015 Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Naval Flight Officer of the Year.

Following his disassociated sea tour, CDR Wood transitioned to the P-8A Poseidon and reported to the “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron TWO SIX (VP-26) in Jacksonville, Florida, in March 2016 for his Department Head tour. He served as the Tactics Officer, Administration Officer, and Maintenance Officer. During his tour he completed two deployments to the SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet areas of responsibility.

He then reported to Naval Safety Command at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, in February 2020 and served as the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Analyst and Aviation Fixed-Wing Branch Head.
In March 2023, CDR Wood reported to USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in San Diego, CA, as the Combat Direction Center Officer.

CDR Wood earned his Masters of Science degree in Aviation Management and Logistics from Kent State University in 2022. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal (3), and other personal, campaign, and service ribbons. He has amassed over 3,200 flight hours in the EP-3E, P-3C, and P-8A aircraft.

CDR Wood is married to the former Miss Megan Hazel of Pataskala, Ohio. They have three children, Samuel, Lucas, and Jillian.