Bio

A native of Charleston, SC, CAPT Brett “WooWoo” Thompson graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts in U.S. History. He also holds a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego.

He received his commission through Officer Candidate School in 1997 and earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer in 1998. CAPT Thompson’s operational Maritime Patrol tours include the VP-46 “Grey Knights”, the VPU-2 “Wizards”, the VP-47

“Golden Swordsmen” and command of the VP-4 “Skinny Dragons”. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Navigator on board the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). During these operational assignments, CAPT Thompson deployed in support of operations to 5^th, 6^th and 7^th Fleet.

CAPT Thompson’s shore assignments include Instructor Naval Flight Officer and Weapons and Tactics Instructor with VP-30 Fleet Replacement Squadron; VP Placement Officer at Navy Personnel Command; Chief of the Joint Reconnaissance Center for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Deputy, Future Operations for U.S. Pacific Fleet; Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Commander, Navy Munitions Command Pacific East Asia Division; and Director, Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element for U.S. Pacific Fleet.

In June 2024, CAPT Thompson reported to the University of South Carolina and currently serves as Commanding Officer, NROTC and Professor of Naval Science.

Having amassed over 2,000 hours in the P-3C Orion, CAPT Thompson has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Naval Achievement Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal and various other unit and campaign awards.