John Thornton
Executive Officer - Pacific Northwest
07 September 2022
LCDR John Thornton, a native of Katy, TX, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2014, where he was commissioned as a Naval Aviator and selected to fly the MH-53 helicopter. In 2017, he transferred to the Human Resources Community.
LCDR Thornton earned a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2014 and a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, completed in 2023. His professional military education includes the Naval War College for Joint Professional Military Education, Professional Human Resources certificate and associate Certified Data Analysis Professional certificate.
Ashore, LCDR Thornton served at Charlotte Military Entrance Processing Station. During his tour, he served in multiple leadership roles as executive officer and acting commanding officer.
Overseas, he served as the N1 at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, where he supported Operation Octave Quartz and Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa.
LCDR Thornton joined Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest in October 2023, initially serving as the Officer Programs Officer. He assumed the role of Executive Officer in October of 2024.
His personal awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.