Today's Featured Biography

 
Thomas Freeland

Born in Canton, Ohio, Captain Tom Freeland, USN (Ret), is a graduate of Ramey High School, Ramey AFB Puerto Rico and University of West Florida where he received a master's degree in Mathematics and Statics. He is also a graduate of Technology Management, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

CAPT Freeland was commissioned in October of 1970 as an Ensign after completing Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate Training at NAS Pensacola, Florida. He was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1971.

His initial assignment was to HC-4 (later redesignated HSL-30) at NAS Lakehurst, N.J. where he flew the HH-2D/SH-2D in support of Second Fleet, Sixth Fleet and COMIDEASTFOR (now Fifth Fleet) ships. This included as a first tour aviator deploying as Helicopter Detachment Officer in Charge (OinC) aboard USS Shreveport (LPD-12) in support of Eastern and Western Caribbean Amphibious Readiness Group operations.

In November 1974, Captain Freeland reported to HT-18, NAS Whiting Field as an instructor in all phases of the Advanced Naval Helicopter Flight Training Program. During this tour he flew the UH-1L/M/K and was chosen to serve as Helicopter NATOPS Standardization Officer for the Chief of Naval Air Training Command. While serving in this position he performed Standardization check rides on Instructors in all phases of both Primary and Advanced Flight Training.

Following completion of SH-2F refresher training at HSL-30 in January 1978, Captain Freeland reported to HSL-36, NAF Mayport, Florida where he served as LAMPS Detachment Operations Officer aboard USS W.S. Sims (FF-1059) and OinC of LAMPS Detachment aboard USS Paul (FF-1080) in support of Second and Sixth Fleet operations. During his tour at HSL-36, Captain Freeland was the recipient of the first LAMPS CNO Individual Battle “E” ribbon for ASW Excellence and was awarded the Naval Helicopter Association Atlantic Fleet 1979 Pilot of the Year.

In July of 1980 Captain Freeland reported to the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. where he served for two years as a Mathematics Professor. During his tour he became a Calculus Course Director and is the only recorded Naval Officer to ever serve as a member of the USMA Mathematics Department faculty.

Returning back to Navy duty, Captain Freeland was assigned to HSL-34 in March 1983, serving as Squadron Safety Officer and LAMPS OinC on several U.S. surface combatants in support of combat operations in waters adjacent Libya and Lebanon. He also participated as LAMPS OinC of numerous Detachments embarked aboard Second Fleet Surface Combatants in support of Law Enforcement Operations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. In 1984 Captain Freeland was selected as the first HSL-34 Pilot of the Year.

During his tour at HSL-34 because of extensive LAMPS Detachment at sea experience, he was selected to embark & deploy the first LAMPS Detachment aboard the British Helicopter Carrier, HMS Hermes as well chosen to serve as COMHELSEACONWING One representative in observing HSL Wing squadrons LAMPS OinC operational performance prior to their extended deployment.

Captain Freeland became Executive Officer of the SH-2F Fleet Readiness Squadron, HSL-30, in April 1985. As XO he became directly involved with and responsible for providing combat ready LAMPS crews for all East Coast LAMPS Fleet Squadrons. He also had the privilege while at HSL-30 to become directly involved with participating in the helicopter flight training of the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable John Lehman.

In February 1986 Captain Freeland was reassigned to the Office of the Deputy CNO for Air Warfare as Readiness and Training Officer for LAMPS and Airborne Mine Countermeasures. While serving in the Pentagon he was selected for Fleet Squadron Command and reported to HSL-33 as Executive Officer and assumed command of the “Seasnakes” in February 1989. While performing as the Commanding Officer the squadron was awarded the Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for ASW Excellence and the CNO Safety Award.

During the HSL-33 Squadron Command tour Captain Freeland continued to go to sea with LAMPS Detachments. On one such occasion he served as CAG of a six aircraft detachment aboard the USS New Orleans (LPH-11) in support of Law Enforcement Operations in Pacific waters adjacent Mexico. Also as Commanding Officer of the “Seasnakes” he earned the distinction of being the Aircraft Commander of the SH-2F crew awarded the first LAMPS MK I COMNAVAIRPAC ASW Range “Quick Kill” award.

In April 1990 following completion of UH-IN refresher training he reported to the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) as Air Officer for this large deck amphibious air assault ship. While embarked aboard USS Okinawa, Captain Freeland directly participated in prolonged and extensive amphibious air assault combat operations during both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While performing as Air Officer USS Okinawa was awarded several Desert Shield/Storm combat operation ribbons, two Battle “E” awards for amphibious air assault operations excellence and the CNO Safety Award.

Captain Freeland reported to Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida in July 1992. During this tour he served as the Program Director of the Aviation Program Directorate and completed the tour as the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division Executive Director. Captain Freeland retired in September 1996 with over 26 years of continuous Naval Service and 4500 naval flight hours.

Captain Freeland and his wife, the former Jan Pat Powers from Morristown, N.J. reside in Orlando, Florida. Captain Freeland is still actively involved in supporting the U.S. Navy through his Simulation & Training civilian job assignments, Trustee with the Naval Helicopter Association and as a member of the Advisory Board for the Central Florida Council of the Navy League of the U.S.

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