Thomas Dee

Director, Defense Biometrics, OSD AT&L, DDR&E

Tom Dee, a native of New York City, served in the United States Navy from March 1980 until his retirement in Feb 2007.  He began his career as a Surface Warfare Officer but transitioned to the Navy’s Special Operations Officer Community after earning his Surface Warfare designation onboard USS Sacramento (AOE-1) in 1983.  As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer he served in numerous operational, staff and ashore assignments worldwide, including two Command tours. As Commanding Officer of EOD Mobile Unit EIGHT in Sigonella, Italy he was responsible for Navy EOD support through the European and Central Command areas of responsibility and provided EOD combat support to joint operations in Bosnia (SFOR) and Kosovo (KFOR).  As Commanding Officer of the Naval EOD Technology Division in Indian Head Maryland he was responsible for providing technical support to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and for executing science and technology, acquisition, and information programs for the joint service EOD community.  Additionally, he established and led a new branch within the Expeditionary Warfare Division of the Chief of Naval Operations staff (N757) to consolidate requirements, programs and resources supporting diverse expeditionary capabilities, to include EOD, Naval Coastal Warfare, Non-lethal weapons and expeditionary anti-terrorism.  As Chairman of the Neutralize Integrated Product Team (IPT), for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) from 2004 through 2006, he led multi-service efforts to identify, fund and field capabilities required by US forces engaged in counter-IED operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  From 2003 until his retirement from the Navy, he served as the Department of Defense Deputy Manager for Joint Service EOD Technology responsible for providing common techniques and procedures, and compatible equipment and life cycle support, for the EOD forces of the four military services and select government agencies.  Mr Dee assumed responsibilities as Director of Defense Biometrics, Office of the Secretary of Defense, in Feb 2007.

Mr. Dee holds a Master of Sciences Degree (National Resource Strategy) from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University; a Master of Arts Degree (International Relations) from University of Southern California; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (History) from New York University.  He is married to the former Nicola Hollow of Cornwall, England.  They and their two teenagers, Hannah and Thomas, live in Great Falls, VA.