Captain Charles Mitchell Thomas, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, who retired in 1952, died November 5, 1978.

Captain Thomas received his degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1913 and served aboard the USS MERCURY as Chief Machinist Mate (Special) during World War I in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force.

Captain Thomas joined the Coast and Geodetic Survey as a Deck Officer in 1922. His widely diversified 30-year career in the Coast and Geodetic Survey included duty aboard nine survey vessels, during which time he served as Commanding Officer, Ship WELKER, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey's Ship GILBERT and U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey's Ship GILBERT and U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey's Ship GUIDE. During World War II he was transferred to the U.S. Navy and served on board the USS BOWDITCH as 2nd and 1st officer.

His career has included various field party assignments which took him to nearly every section of the United States. He was serving as Civil Aeronautic Administration Liaison Officer, and Officer-in-Charge, 2nd Regional Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia, at the time of his retirement in 1952.

Last year (1977), Captain Thomas successfully completed his examination for his 7th Masters License. He was duly examined and found competent to serve as Master of Steam and Motor Vessels of any gross tonnage upon any ocean, by the Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection, U.S. Coast Guard, Mobile, Alabama.

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NOAA CORPS BULLETIN, 12/1/1978