Thomas John Kilcline Jr. (born November 19, 1951) is a retired vice admiral of the United States Navy who served as Commander, Naval Air Forces from June 22, 2007, to July 1, 2010.Kilcline Takes Helm as Commander, Air Forces, www.navy.mil, (June 23, 2007). Retrieved 17 November 2010., www.navy.mil, (July 2, 2010). Retrieved 19 November 2010.
Naval career Kilcline graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in operations research. He was selected for naval aviation and upon receiving his commission was sent to NAS Pensacola for initial flight training. He earned his wings in 1975.
Following completion of replacement air group training at NAS Miramar, California, he was assigned to VF-51 aboard the flying the F-4 Phantom. Soon afterward, the squadron transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat and moved aboard the . Next he was selected for VF-126, where he flew as an adversary pilot. Two deployments followed with VF-213 aboard . His first command was of VF-154, stationed in NAS Atsugi, Japan aboard the . He later assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard . His most recent operational assignment was as commander, Carrier Strike Group Two and commander, Carrier Strike Group. He has flown over 5,600 hours in F-4, A-4, F-5, F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft, and has logged 63 combat missions.US Navy Biographies: VADM Thomas J. Kilcline, Jr., www.navy.mil, (July 1, 2010). Retrieved 17 November 2010. He has made 1,150 carrier aircraft arrested landings, making him a member of the 1000 trap "Grand Club".Grand Club Listing , Tailhook.org, Retrieved 17 November 2010.
Assignments to shore and staff billets include Fighter AEW Wing Pacific strike officer; Joint Task Force Southwest Asia DJ3; Air Operations Officer to Commander 2nd Fleet; Chief of Naval Operations Chair to the National War College; executive assistant to Deputy, European Command; and Chief of Staff for Commander, Naval Air Forces. Kilcline earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, graduating with distinction; He received a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies and National Affairs from the U.S. Naval War College, and earned his Master of Science in National Security Strategy while assigned to the National War College.
Kilcline's first shore duty flag assignment was as director, Naval Aviation Plans and Requirements (N780) on the OPNAV Staff. Following his strike group command, he assumed duties as director, Air Warfare Division (N88) followed by his assignment as director, Warfare Requirements and Integration/Senior National Representative (N8F). He assumed the duties of Commander, Naval Air Forces on June 22, 2007. Kilcline handed over command on July 1, 2010, to Vice Admiral Allen G. Myers, retiring shortly afterward.US Navy Biographies: VADM Thomas J. Kilcline, Jr., www.navy.mil, (July 1, 2010). Retrieved 17 November 2010.
Awards and decorations
Navy Distinguished Service MedalDefense Superior Service Medal (2)Legion of Merit (5)Defense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service MedalAir Medal (2) with bronze award numeral 2 (strike/flight awards)Joint Service Commendation MedalNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3)Navy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalJoint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Unit Commendation RibbonNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (2)Navy E Ribbon (2)Navy Expeditionary Medal (2)National Defense Service Medal (2)Armed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service Medal (1 campaign star)Southwest Asia Service Medal (2)Global War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (5)Navy Overseas Service RibbonKuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)Navy Expert Rifleman MedalNavy Expert Pistol Shot Medal
References
External links
Official Navy Biography