CDR Thomas McDonough  Commander McDonough was born in Boston and raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He graduated with honors from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology. Upon graduating he attended Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1986. During his first tour, from 1986-1989, Commander McDonough served with HSL 35 at Naval Air Station North Island, California flying the SH-2F Seasprite (LAMPS MK I). During this tour he deployed to the Arabian Gulf with HSL 35 Detachment FIVE as Operations Officer embarked in USS REASONER (FF 1063) and again with Detachment TEN as Maintenance Officer embarked in USS REID (FFG 30). During these deployments, Commander McDonough flew missions in support of Operations ERNEST WILL and PRAYING MANTIS. In 1989, Commander McDonough attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he received a Master of Science Degree in Telecommunications Systems Management in 1991. While at the Naval Postgraduate School, Commander McDonough applied for and received an aircraft transition to the SH-60B Seahawk (LAMPS MK III). After transitioning to the SH-60B with HSL 41 in San Diego, California, Commander McDonough reported to the newly commissioned HSL 51 at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. While at HSL 51, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH as Maintenance Officer of HSL 51 Detachment THREE and again as Officer in Charge of HSL 51 Detachment ONE. Both detachments embarked in USS THACH (FFG 43). When not deployed, Commander McDonough served as the squadron's Aircraft Division Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. After returning from overseas in 1995, Commander McDonough reported to Joint Duty for service with the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Chief, Information Systems, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, located at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. During this assignment he completed the Air Command and Staff College Seminar Program with Air University in June 1996. From 1997-1999, Commander McDonough returned to Naval Air Station North Island, California to complete his Department Head tour with HSL 47. While at HSL 47, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH as Officer in Charge of HSL 47 Detachment TWO embarked in USS KINKAID (DD 965). Following deployment, Commander McDonough served as Squadron Maintenance Officer and was selected to the rank of Commander. In July 1999, Commander McDonough reported to the Pentagon, Washington D.C. as Flag Aide to the Director, Space, Information Warfare, Command and Control and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy and Operations. In June 2000, he reported to Headquarters, Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia as Flag Aide to the Commander in Chief. In September 2000, he was selected for future Command of VC 8.  Last CO and XO of VC-8 Courtesy of Aixa Owens |