Colonel Thomas Lee is a native of Greensboro, Alabama and he graduated from the University of Alabama in December 2001. He earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, completed The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia in October 2002, and attended naval flight school.
Colonel Lee earned his naval aviation designation in September 2004 and reported to VMFAT-101 for F/A-18 training and subsequently reported to VMFA(AW)-533 from Oct 2005 to Nov 2008. With VMFA(AW)-533, Colonel Lee deployed to Iraq and Japan.
From December 2008 to January 2012, Colonel Lee reported to VMFAT-101 as an instructor pilot, the S-6 officer in charge, air-to-ground shop officer, and the airframes division officer.
From February 2012 to March 2015, Colonel Lee reported to VMFA(AW)-224 as the pilot training officer, operations officer, and aircraft maintenance officer. With VMFA(AW)-224, Colonel Lee deployed twice to Japan.
From March 2015 to May 2018, Colonel Lee served as a weapons and tactics instructor pilot with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1).
From June 2018 to June 2019, Colonel Lee reported to the Deputy Commandant for Aviation as a requirements officer and advocated for contracted air services, the F-5, and Joint Doctrine.
From March 2020 to October 2021, Colonel Lee commanded VMFA-232 and deployed his squadron to Japan. Post command, Colonel Lee attended Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base and reported to the Joint Staff for a two-year assignment.
Colonel Lee is a graduate of the Weapons and Tactics Course, Marine Division Tactics Course, and Air War College and holds a master’s degree from Air University. Colonel Lee has held qualifications in the F/A-18. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.