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Alumni Success Story: Thomas Hand '12
Thomas Hand came to TFS to expand his horizons and to focus on preparing for his future, and in two short years, he did just that. Hand came to TFS at the beginning of his junior year seeking academic rigor, especially in math and science, and access to sports programs. “I was excited about what TFS had to offer,” he said. “A bigger school, preparation for college, and the opportunity to play sports.”
Hand’s goal was to attend the United States Naval Academy. He disciplined himself throughout his time at TFS. “I am thankful I was able to prepare and develop at TFS to make that goal a reality,” he said.
Hand graduated as salutatorian of the class in the spring of 2012, and in the fall, he began his freshman year at USNA.
“Mrs. Bogan was an amazing teacher. She had us think outside our own personal box,” said Hand. “I’m very thankful for her influence. And Mrs. Harris – she knows everything. She pushed me, and she always had a good attitude.”
For Hand, college counselor Bobby Hammond played a crucial role. “He was awesome,” said Hand. “He was with me every step through the complicated application process.”
Hand recalls watching his friends receive multiple acceptances to incredible universities. “TFS played a big role in exposing students to schools they were interested in and helped them get to the finish line,” said Hand.
In 2016, Hand graduated from the Academy (USNA) with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in May of 2016. In 2018, Hand earned his Wings of Gold and was designated as an Unrestricted Naval Aviator. In 2019, he moved to San Diego, where he was designated as a Fleet Replacement Pilot. In November 2019, he joined Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven One.
Hand was deployed onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt from November 2019 to May 2020 to support US Seventh Fleet operations in the Philippine and South China Seas.
In 2020, Hand served as a designated Aircraft Commander/Mission Commander in the MH-60R and was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2021, Hand conducted deployment workups onboard the USS Spruance as a Detachment Maintenance Officer and on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
In 2022, he was deployed onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as HSM-71 NATOPS Officer to support US Seventh Fleet operations in the Philippine Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the South China Sea.
Through his service, Hand has met people from every background – every walk of life. “Ultimately, everyone who serves wants to serve their country,” he said. Hand is inspired by young men and women's commitment to our country. “They sacrifice time from home, time from family, weekends, holidays, births, graduations, funerals, weddings, spending months and years of their lives at sea, all while putting themselves in harm's way,” said Hand. “Leading sailors overseas was one of the most cherished aspects of my career. The talent, dedication, work ethic, camaraderie, and patriotism of our service members are incredible and noteworthy. I'm honored that I was given the opportunity to be a part of that.”
Hand has received the Naval Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Medal, Navy Battle “E,” Sea Service Ribbon, and Association of Naval Aviation HT-8 Instructor Pilot of the Year 2024.
Hand lives in Pensacola, Florida, with his wife, Glennon. Both Thomas and Glennon serve as flight instructors.