Never Forget: RADM Dave Thomas ’81 USN (Ret.)

Published on September 11, 2026
 
On 11 September 2001, RADM Dave Thomas ’81, USN (Ret.), was working at the Pentagon when a terrorist-hijacked airliner struck the building. In the chaos that followed, Thomas helped others evacuate and witnessed the aftermath firsthand. His close friend and Naval Academy roommate, CAPT Bob Dolan ’81, USN, was among those killed in the attack.
 
The two had remained close since their days at the Naval Academy, often meeting for coffee when both were assigned to duty at the Pentagon. We met with Thomas at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial to reflect on that day, his lifelong friendship with Dolan and the lasting impact his friend continues to have on his life.
 
Watch this touching interview and others like it on our new 9/11 Shipmate Magazine website: www.shipmatemagazine.com
 
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