Submitted by Bud and Sue Holmes –

Thomas Eugene Holmes, son

Navy FC3

Thomas is a FCs – maintain the control mechanism used in weapons systems on combat ships. Complex electronic, electrical, and hydraulic equipment is required to ensure the accuracy of guided missile and surface gunfire control systems. FCs are responsible for the operation, routine care, and repair of the equipment, which includes radars, computers, weapons direction equipment, target designation systems, gyroscopes, and rangefinders. These systems track targets in the water and in the air.

Thomas has received commendations for: Outstanding performance as student class leader for Class NIDA while demonstrating impressive leadership, management, and organizational skills, flawlessly performed duties as a class leader, responsible for the daily routines of 25 students. Performing the duties and responsibilities normally assigned to a more senior petty officer while maintaining a superior academic record. The Secretary of the Navy has awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal for his outstanding initiative and untiring efforts enabling him to repair several significant equipment casualties to remote operational values. He rewired and aligned valves and switches rendering MVHC stations one and four fully operational in preparation for insurv. He assisted in the corrective maintenance in 100 fan coils units. His efforts contributed to an outstanding habitability assessment during insurv. His professional ability, loyal devotions to duty, and exceptional performance reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Thomas served three months on the USS Portland (LSD-37) A Marine transporter, then about two years on the USS Arthur W. Radford (DD968). While on the Radford, they were deployed for 6 months going to Bergen Norway, Portland England, Rota Spain, Souda Bay, Crete Greece, Aksaz Turkey, Augusta Bay, Sicily Italy, Koper Slavania and Naples Italy. Upon arriving back “home” in Norfolk Virginia, the ship was decommissioned and will become a test ship for the new type of destroyers called DD-X.

Thomas is now on the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) that is currently in dry dock. He has served 3 years and has reenlisted for another 6. He was married June 29, 2002 and will become a daddy in late November.