Amerifest

Retired Navy Captain

Tom Joyce is a Pastor at Immanuel Bible Church in the shadow of the nation’s capital located in Springfield, Virginia.  Raised on Long Island and recruited as a lacrosse player, Tom graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1979.  After completing Naval Flight Officer training, he was selected to fly as a “back-seater” in the F-14 Tomcat and later graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in 1983. Two years later, Tom was selected to fly in some of the scenes in the movie “TOPGUN”.  After several operational tours in fighter squadrons Tom reported to Fighter Squadron One-Eleven as Commanding Officer onboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk.  Under Tom’s leadership, Fighter Squadron One-Eleven was recognized as the best Fighter Squadron in the Pacific Fleet.

Tom survived the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, which included his office.  He retired in August of 2003 after serving on active duty for more than 25 years.  In addition to his bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy; Tom earned a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University and both a Masters in Biblical Studies and a Masters of Divinity from Capital Bible Seminary.

Tom has accumulated over 2200 hours in the F-14A Tomcat, and has made more than 600 aircraft carrier landings.  His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and numerous other unit and individual awards.

Tom and his wife Deshua have four grown children and seven grandchildren.  They live in northern Virginia.