Capt. Tom Chekouras is a native of Boulder Creek, California. He is a 1998 graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Financing and earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program. Chekouras earned a Master in Business Administration from Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island and Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I from the Naval War College.
His sea assignments include damage control assistant, USS Ford (FFG 54); training officer, USS Roosevelt (DD 80); chief engineer, USS Nitze (DDG 94); commanding officer, Patrol Coastal Crew Charlie; flag secretary to Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two; executive officer and commanding officer, USS Lassen (DDG 82); and assistant chief of staff (force generation, fleet scheduling and fleet training) to Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.
His ashore assignments include damage control assistant instructor, Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island; branch chief for logistic operations for North & East Africa, Special Operations Command Africa in Stuttgart, Germany; and branch head, Officer Promotions & Policy to Chief of Naval Personnel.
Chekouras assumed the duties of deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron One (DESRON 1) in July 2021.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Joint Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and several unit awards.
