A native of Merrimack, New Hampshire, CAPT Colin Thompson enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1997. Following completion of Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Orlando, Florida, for Machinist’s Mate “A” School and Nuclear Power School. His first assignment was as a staff instructor in Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa, New York. During this tour, Thompson attended New School University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management.
Thompson was commissioned as an Ensign after completing Officer Candidate School in April 2002 and designated as a Naval Flight Officer in August 2003 following training at the 562nd Flying Training Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Following initial P-3C training at Patrol Squadron (VP) 30, Jacksonville, Florida, Thompson began his first flying tour with the Red Lancers of VP-10 in Brunswick, Maine. Subsequent operational tours include assistant navigator in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan; department head tour with the Skinny Dragons of VP-4 in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Wizards of Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO (VPU-2) in Kaneohe Bay and Jacksonville.
Thompson’s shore assignments include instructor NFO at VP-30; Flag Secretary to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group in Norfolk, Virginia; and three tours at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee as Washington DC Placement Officer (PERS-441B), Distribution Policy and Procedures Branch Head (PERS-451), and Career Progression Division Director (PERS-80).
Thompson took command of Naval Air Station Key West in May 2025.
Thompson’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, and various other unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 13 July 2025