Captain Tony Nichols, is a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He is an Information Professional Officer and holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Programming.
Originally enlisting in the United States Army in 1987, he completed a four-year commitment and transitioned to the United States Navy in 1991. He attended boot camp at Naval Training Center (NTC) Orlando, Florida, and Radioman “A” School at NTC San Diego, California. He promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 2001 and received his commission as a Communications Officer in 2002 via the Limited Duty Officer Program. In 2007, he re-designated to an Information Professional (1820).
His operational tours included Communications Officer for Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group THREE aboard USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), Communications Officer for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 15, and N6 Deputy Assistance Chief of Staff for Commander, U.S. Third Fleet.
At sea, his tours included multiple deployments as an enlisted Sailor aboard USS Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG 27) and USS Curts (FFG 38), Communications Officer aboard USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), and Combat Systems Information Officer aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
Ashore, he completed tours at Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Treasure Island; Naval Air Station Fort Worth; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit SEVEN; Operations Officer of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, San Diego; Officer-in Charge of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East Detachment Diego Garcia; joint tour as J3 Current Operations Director for Commander, Cyber National Mission Force at U.S. Cyber Command; and Deputy N6 and Assistant Chief of Staff – N6 for Commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet.
Captain Nichols currently serves as the Chief of Staff, Commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet.
Nichols is the recipient of various personal, joint, campaign, and unit awards including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (two awards).