Chief Thiel was born in North Platte, Nebraska. Moved to Gothenburg when he was 4 and graduated from Gothenburg High School in May 1979.
Chief Thiel enlisted in the Navy in February 1980 and attended recruit training at Great Lakes, IL. Following recruit training, he was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Nine (HC-9) at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego, CA. He advanced from a non-designated airman recruit to Aviation Structural Mechanic Hydraulics Third Class (AMH3). In June 1982 he was ordered to sea duty and was transferred to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Six (HS-6), NAS North Island advancing to AMH2 in March 1984. In September 1985, he transferred to shore duty and his first tour as an Instructor. As the Training Coordinator for Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) Thirty-One (HSL-31) Fleet Replacement of Aviation Maintenance Personnel (FRAMP), he was performing at the level of a Senior Chief. Chief qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) in February 1987.
Chief had the opportunity to transfer to NAS Whidbey Island, WA. Following FRAMP training at VAQ-129, he transferred to VAQ-140. Shortly after checking in, he was advanced to AMH1. Chief held numerous billets during this tenure, which helped him, move straight to the top of the First Class ranks. He was selected to work in Maintenance Control as the Flight Deck Coordinator (FDC) and was the only First Class Petty Officer qualified to sign aircraft “Safe for Flight”. This selected him as the Squadron Sailor of the Year in 1991. This selection placed him in the running for the Commander Medium Attack, Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Pacific Fleet’s (COMMATVAQWINGPAC) Sailor of the Year competition and was selected as the #1 sailor out of 15 sea duty squadrons for 1992. During this tour, Chief was involved in Operation Desert Shield and Storm. In January 1993, Chief was then transferred to Naval Air Maintenance Training Group Detachment (NAMTRADET) Whidbey Island for his second tour of Instructor duty. Completing a very successful sea tour, he was selected for Chief Petty Officer. In March 1996 it was time to transfer back to sea duty and the “Black Ravens” of VAQ-135 were honored to have him. Chief retired from the Navy in March 2000. Chief deployed 6 times aboard 7 different aircraft carriers on both coasts. Ports of call included, Hawaii, Philippines Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kenya, Australia, Tasmania, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Italy, Spain, France, England, and Norway.
Chief Thiel wears the following awards: EAWS wings, Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), and numerous unit awards.
Chief Thiel is married to LaJolla (Schleif) from Davenport, NE. They have 2 daughters, Miranda Jo and Clarissa Rose. They make their home outside Oak Harbor. |
