CAPT Eric Thompson

Commanding Officer, USS PORTLAND (LPD 27)

12 September 2024 CAPT Eric “STIC” Thompson is from Las Cruces, New Mexico and is a 2000 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He began pilot training in 2001 and was designated as a Naval Aviator at NAS Meridian, Mississippi in June of 2003. After earning his “Wings of Gold”, he reported to the VFA-106 “Gladiators” for initial F/A-18C Hornet training at NAS Oceana, Virginia. In July of 2004, CAPT Thompson joined the VFA-113 “Stingers” in Lemoore, California. He completed a Western Pacific Deployment on board the USS JOHN C. STENNIS and a deployment on board the USS RONALD REAGAN in support of coalition ground forces participating in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as well as a follow-on surge deployment to the Western Pacific. 

After completing his initial sea tour, CAPT Thompson was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School in Fallon, Nevada. After graduation from TOPGUN in July of 2007, CAPT Thompson reported to the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125 as an instructor pilot. In March of 2010, CAPT Thompson was picked as the Flag Aide for RADM David “Deke” Philman, the Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV N-88) in the Pentagon, Washington, DC. 

In May of 2011, CAPT Thompson reported to the “Rampagers” of VFA-83 as a Department Head. While attached to the Rams, he deployed with CVW-7 on board the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER for two back-to-back deployments in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. In January 2014, CAPT Thompson reported to STRATCOM Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense (JFCC-IMD) in Colorado Springs as a Watch Commander. In May of 2017, he checked back aboard the ‘Rampagers” as the Executive Officer and assumed command of the squadron in August of 2018. CAPT Thompson led VFA-83 through a Hornet to Super Hornet transition, on multiple training detachments, and during pre-deployment workups. He turned over command in December 2019 and reported for Nuclear Power training in Charleston, SC. 

Completing Nuclear Power training, CAPT Thompson was the Executive Officer onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT from September 2021 to September 2023 during an 18-month Docking Planned Incremental Availability carrier maintenance period and pre-deployment work ups. CAPT Thompson assumed command of USS PORTLAND (LPD 27) in September 2024. 

CAPT Thompson has over 2,500 flight hours and more than 500 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Strike Flight Air Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, and various individual, campaign, and unit awards.