Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Phillip R. Krites

 
Cmdr. Phillip R. Krites, a native of Lima, Ohio, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign in May 2003. 
 
He has served in a variety of training and operational squadrons including Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, HSM-72, and HSM-74 where he served as Executive and Commanding Officer from June 2021 until November 2023.
 
He has deployed onboard USS Kauffman (FFG 55), USS Halyburton (FFG 40), USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).  He has served as Detachment Operations Officer, Detachment Maintenance Officer, Squadron Assistant Training Officer, Squadron weapons and Tactics Instructor, Squadron Training Officer, Detachment Officer in Charge, and Squadron maintenance Officer.
 
Shore Assignments include Helicopter Maritime Strike weapons School Atlantic (HSMWSL) where he served as Assistant operations officer, Airborne Use of Force Program Manager and Operations Officer.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, and Joint Forces Staff College.
 
Krites assumed command of the East Coast MH-60R Fleet Replacement Squadron, HSM-40 in Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida in July of 2024.
 
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, and holds of Masters of Arts in National Defense and Strategic Studies.  His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation Medal (five awards), and various unit commendations, service, and other campaign awards. He is a graduate of the SEAHAWK Weapons and tactics Instructor (SWTI) program and has accumulated over 3,200 mishap-free flight hours.