Master Chief Andrew Desmond Thompson joined the Navy on 22 February 1984.  He completed recruit training and apprenticeship training in Great Lakes, Illinois.

He reported to his first ship USS CORAL SEA (CV 43) “The ageless warrior” homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia in June of 1984.  His next tour of duty was the USS SARATOGA    (CV-60) where he served with his younger brother from 1988-1990.  His subsequent sea and shore assignments include; Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Norfolk, 1990-1993, USS SYLVANIA (AFS-2), 1993-1994, Shore Maintenance Activity Little Creek, 1993-1994, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) 1995-1998, Naval Brig Norfolk 1998-2001, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), 2001-2006, Afloat Training Group Norfolk, 2006-2007, USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD43) 2007-2010, JEBLC-FORT STORY 2010-2013, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic 2013-2015.  Master Chief Thompson reported to Commander, Navy Installation Command as the Force Master Chief in May 2015.

His military and civilian education includes NEC, 4291 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician, NEC 9575 Corrections Officer, NEC 9517 Ship’s 3-M System Coordinator and NEC 4206, Shipboard Engineering Program Manager.  He’s a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 109 Gold Group, the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course (Class #38).  He has earned an associate’s degree from Saint Leo’s University.

Master Chief Thompson is a graduate of the Keystone Command Senior Enlisted Leader Course in joint and combined studies at the National Defense University. 

His personal awards include:  The Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), the Navy Good Conduct Medal (six awards) and other unit and service awards.