Thomas J. Pausche
Executive Officer - NTAG Houston
06 April 2022
Commander Pausche hails from Seminole, FL. He graduated from the University of South Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree before commissioning through Naval Officer Candidate School. Pausche earned a Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University in 2021 and a master's degree in National Resource Strategy from National Defense University (NDU) in 2024.
Following flight training in Pensacola, FL, he was selected for the P- 3C pipeline. He earned his Wings of Gold at NAS Jacksonville, FL before joining the "Golden Eagles" of VP-9 where he qualified as Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander, flying over 1,000 flight hours in support of two deployments in both FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet areas of responsibility.
Commander Pausche then reported to United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) where he was assigned the role of project officer and exercise planner in the J7 directorate and was recognized for spearheading the 2015 USSOCOM Education, Training, and Exercise Working Group.
He subsequently reported to USS GERALD R FORD (CVN 78) for duty as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer ("Shooter") and V-1 Division Officer where we also qualified as Repair Locker Officer and Officer of the Deck Underway.
After completing his disassociated sea duty, Commander Pausche was assigned to PERS-44 as: Placement Officer where he certified as a Professional in Human Resources before laterally transferring from Naval Flight Officer to Human Resources Officer in 2019.
Commander Pausche then reported to the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) as Training Officer (TRAINO) where he led the ship through maintenance and an abbreviated basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan preparing the crew for a successful Composite Training Unit Exercise.
Upon completion of his TRAINO tour, he was assigned to work for the Chief of Naval Personnel as OPNAV N130C, Pay and Allowances Section Head before being selected to attend Eisenhower School at NDU.
After graduating from NDU, Commander Pausche reported to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Houston as the Executive Officer. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2) and various service and unit awards. He is married to the former Heather Bailey of Seminole, FL; and they have two daughters; Quinn (6) and Kerrigan (4).