Years of service 1973-2010 Name Tom Jr. | Rank Vice Admiral | |
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Born November 19, 1951 (age 72)
Oakland, California ( 1951-11-19 ) Allegiance United States of America Awards Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (5) Education United States Naval Academy Commands held Carrier Strike Group Two, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen, VFA-154 | ||
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Gulf War Service/branch United States Navy Battles and wars Vietnam War, Gulf War | ||
VADM Thomas J. Kilcline Jr. USN (Ret.) (born November 19, 1951) was Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) for the United States Navy from June 22, 2007 to July 1, 2010.
Biography
Vice Admiral Tom Kilcline, Jr. graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 with a BS 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 USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) flying the F-4 Phantom. Soon afterward, the squadron transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat and moved aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Next he was selected for VF-126, where he flew as an adversary pilot. Two deployments followed with VF-213 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). His first command was of VF-154, stationed in NAS Atsugi, Japan aboard the USS Independence (CV 62). He later assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). His most recent operational assignment was as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two and Commander, USS Theodore Roosevelt 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. He has made 1,150 carrier aircraft arrested landings, making him a member of the 1000 trap "Grand Club".
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. VADM Kilcline earned an M.S. in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, graduating with distinction; He received an M.A. in Strategic Studies and National Affairs from the U.S. Naval War College, and earned his M.S. in National Security Strategy while assigned to the National War College.
VADM 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. VADM Kilcline handed over command on July 1, 2010 to VADM Myers, retiring shortly afterward.