James Thompson
James Thompson serves in the U.S. Navy as a Pilot and as the Operations Officer for Electronic Attack Squadron 132 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. He leads the squadron’s weapons and tactics training syllabus, ensures completion readiness milestones, directs deployed and combat operations, guides future and current operations for 20 aircrew and 200 personnel, and manages 2,000 annual flights with an $8 million budget. James also has served as Naval Diving Officer aboard USS Grapple (ARS 53) before being assigned to flight training. As a Naval Aviator he has gained 1700 flight hours flying two combat operational aircraft has served overseas in both Europe and in the country of Japan. From the state of Oregon, he attended Oregon State University earning a B.S. in Business Administration and is currently completing a M.S. in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Now a Lieutenant Commander he has served the U.S. Navy the last 13 years. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various other personal decorations.