801 Sea Harrier Squadron, HMS HERMES
Commodore Neill Thomas joined the Royal Navy in 1963 and commenced his flying training in 1965. He
trained on the Jet Provost/ Hunter and flew Sea Vixens and F-4 Phantoms
extensively from the old Ark Royal before commanding the Sea Harrier HQ Squadron
(Trials, Operational Training and Chief Tactical Instructor for the Sea
Harrier). He was embarked with his squadron in HMS Hermes during Operation
Corporate in 1982. Following attendance of the Joint Service Defence College in
1984 he served on Operational and Ministry of Defence Staffs before being
appointed to the new Ark Royal in command of her Air Group (Commander (Air)) in
1990. He then carried out language training before his appointment to South
Korea as Naval and Air Attaché. On returning, he studied at the NATO Defence
College in Rome followed by appointment to the NATO Airborne Early Warning Force
Command, initially as Deputy then as the Force Commander.
He was awarded the CBE in 2000 and DSC in 1982. He retired from the Royal Navy in 2001.
He was awarded the CBE in 2000 and DSC in 1982. He retired from the Royal Navy in 2001.
