Captain Michael Windom was in born Neu-Ulm, Germany, and raised in Cordele, Georgia, where he graduated from Crisp County High School in 1986. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1987 and upon completion of boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, he reported to Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD) School in Millington, Tennessee.
After serving more than 13 years in the enlisted ranks and advancing to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class (AD1), CAPT Windom was commissioned via Officer Candidate School (OCS) and designated as an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer (1520) in January 2001 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
CAPT Windom’s operational tours include the USS TAYLOR (FFG 50) and USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55), during which he participated in Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM; the USS MONTEREY (CG 61) where he participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH; the USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52); the USS MCINERNEY (FFG 8); and the USS SPRUENCE (DD 963) where he participated in the western hemisphere operations with the U.S. Coast Guard. He also deployed with USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) and USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), where he was among the first Navy forces on the leading edge in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Additionally, he served as ship’s company in the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) aboard both the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) and the USS GERALD R FORD (CVN 78) as a Plank Owner of the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier. Lastly, he completed a successful tour aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as the AIMD Officer.
CAPT Windom served in multiple aviation squadrons, including two tours with Helicopter Anti-submarine Light Squadron (HSL) 42, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120, and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.
His shore duty assignments include Navy Aviation Maintenance Training Group (NAMTRAGRUDET) Mayport, Florida; Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) in Norfolk, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida; Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SPAWAR) Norfolk, Virginia; Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Mid-Atlantic Patuxent River, Maryland (as AIMDO) and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Washington D.C. In addition, CAPT Windom was assigned as the Officer-In-Charge at Naval Aviation Maintenance Center for Excellence (NAMCE) at NAS Lemoore, California. Prior to reporting aboard Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, he completed a successful tour as Commanding Officer at Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, Whidbey Island, WA.
While on active duty, CAPT Windom attended Southern Illinois University and graduated Cum Laude receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Work Force Education in 1998. Later, he earned his master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with distinction (Magna Cum Laude) with a concentration in Logistics from the University of Touro, New York.
In March 2023, he reported to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and assumed his current position as executive officer.
CAPT Windom’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (three awards), and numerous unit awards. He is a Defense Acquisition Corps Professional and has earned a Level III Acquisition Qualification in Production Quality Management (PQM), Level I in Information Technology (IT), and Level I in Program Management (PM). He has earned his Professional Aviation Maintenance Officer (PAMO) Warfare Qualification, is entitled to wear both the (EAWS) and (ESWS) insignias and has been designated as a Master Training specialist (MTS).
He currently resides in St. Augustine, Florida with his wife, the former Michelle DuBose of Alexandria, Virginia, and their two sons, Michael and Malcolm.