Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gary Thomas was been nominated to serve as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, the service’s second-highest rank, according to a Thursday Pentagon announcement.
Thomas is currently serving as the deputy commandant for programs and resources at the Marine Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Thomas is a native of Austin, Texas, and a 1984 graduate of the University of Texas.
His previous assignments include commanding the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and serving in several F/A-18 squadrons. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, while embarked aboard USS Constellation (CV-64), Thomas commanded Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323, The Death Rattlers. He also commanded Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1).
If confirmed by the Senate, Thomas will follow the current assistant commandant, Gen. Glenn M. Walters.
The following is the complete Thursday Pentagon announcement on Thomas’ nomination.
Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gary L. Thomas has been nominated for appointment to the rank of general, and assignment as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. Thomas is currently serving as the deputy commandant for programs and resources, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, District of Columbia.