Culinary Specialist First Class (SS) Robert Thomas
Class of 1996

In The Service

Culinary Specialist First Class (SS) Robert Thomas, United States Navy is serving aboard the nuclear ballistic submarine USS Pennsylvania.

He is serving as the Culinary Specialist Division Leading Petty Officer, Command Schools Coordinator, Command Financial Specialist, and Assistant DAPA. He is qualified Chief of the Watch.

Petty Officer Thomas was born on Sept. 22, 1978 in Shelby. The son of Bob and Charlie Thomas of Fremont, he graduated from Fremont High School in 1996. He entered the Naval Service on Feb. 2, 1998.

Petty Officer Thomas completed Basic Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois during the spring of 1998. Following boot camp, his next tour was to Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, graduating on July 15, 1998. After Sub School, he attended Mess Specialist “A” School in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force Base, where he graduated on Oct. 15, 1998.

His first sea tour was on board the nuclear ballistic submarine USS OHIO (SSBN 726) (Gold) from October 1998 to August 2004, home ported out of Bangor, Washington, where he performed the duties of Gallery Watch Captain, Night Baker, Training Petty Officer, Records Keeper, and Leading Petty Officer. For his efforts he was selected as the Senior Sailor of the Quarter for the third quarter 2002. During his tour he was awarded his first, second and third Navy Achievement Medals.

After his tour on the USS OHIO, he was awarded shore duty at Commander, Submarine Group SEVEN, in Yokosuka, Japan as the Flag Culinary Specialist. While at CSG7, he served as the Flag CS, Command DAPA, and Assistant Travel Coordinator, working for Rear Admiral Gove, Vice Admiral Bird, and Rear Admiral McAneny. For his efforts, he was selected as the Senior Sailor of the Quarter for the fourth quarter 2006. He was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

On Aug. 15, 2007, Petty Officer Thomas reported for his current duty aboard the USS Pennsylvania.

Petty Officer Thomas is authorized to wear the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal as well as several other service ribbons.

He is married to the former Karen Nicole Jones of Washington, and they currently live in Belfair, Washington with their three children, Robert, Gary and Jesslynn.

Just recently, Petty Officer Thomas recently received the Sailor of the Year award.

1/14/2009 Times Indicator Article (p. 6) Times Indicator
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