Originally from
El Cajon, California, Thomas Shultz was commissioned via the
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at the
University of California, Los Angeles. Additionally, he is a graduate of
Occidental College and the
Naval Postgraduate School. Earlier in his career, Shultz served aboard the
USS Monsoon, the
USS Sides and the
USS Mobile Bay, as well as with
Destroyer Squadron 7. He eventually rose to be the Commanding Officer of the
USS Patriot (MCM-7), the
USS Michael Murphy and the
USS Green Bay (LPD-20). Shultz's additional tours have included serving as a top aide for the
Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic,
Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the
United States Under Secretary of the Navy and a tour with the
United States European Command. Decorations he has received include the
Defense Superior Service Medal, the
Legion of Merit and the
Meritorious Service Medal. ==References==