Capt. Thomas E. Cunningham III

Chief of Staff, Military Sealift Command

07 October 2021 Capt. Cunningham is a native of Tampa, Florida. He was awarded a four year NROTC scholarship to attend the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.  Capt. Cunningham received his commission in 2001. 
  
His first tour of duty was aboard USS Cape St George (CG 71), where he served as the Electrical Officer.  In January of 2004, Capt. Cunningham reported to the USS Laboon (DDG 58), and later to DDG Crew Lima, where he served as the Navigator on the USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), and USS Stout (DDG 55) for the East Coast DDG Crew Swap Experiment.   

Following his Division Officer Tours, Capt. Cunningham became the commissioning Weapons, Anti-Terrorism, and Training Officer of Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron FOUR, later becoming Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron FOUR.
 
Following Department Head School, Capt. Cunningham reported to USS McFaul (DDG 74) in January 2009, and served until December 2011 as the Weapons Officer fleeting up to the Combat Systems Officer.  

Capt. Cunningham assumed Command of Patrol Coastal CREW INDIA in June 2012, which transitioned to USS Monsoon (PC 4) in August 2013.

Capt. Cunningham reported to Coastal Riverine Squadron FOUR in July 2014, as the Officer in Charge/Company Commander of the Riverine, Security, and MK VI Patrol Boat Company.

In December of 2017, Capt. Cunningham returned to the USS Laboon (DDG 58) as the Executive Officer, fleeting up and assuming Command in July of 2019.

Upon completion of his command tour, Capt. Cunningham reported to Carrier Strike Group 12 as the Operations Officer, for the Gerald R Ford Strike Group.

In February of 2023, Capt. Cunningham finally stepped ashore, as the Director of Operations and Intelligence at Military Sealift Command (MSC) Headquarters. 

In October of 2024, Capt. Cunningham was reassigned as the Transformation OPT Lead for MSC until May of 2025 when he assumed duties as the MSC Chief of Staff.

Capt. Cunningham’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and service awards.