Executive Officer
Cmdr. Kyle "Princess" Wiest
A native of central Pennsylvania, Cmdr. Kyle Wiest graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida for flight training in January 2009. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in December of 2010 and subsequently reported to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, “Airwolves”, for initial fleet training as an SH-60B Seahawk Fleet Replacement Pilot.
Wiest began his operational flying in September 2011 with the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42. While with the “Proud Warriors,” he deployed as a Helicopter Second Pilot with HSL-42 Detachment nine on USS Nicholas (FFG 47) conducting airborne use of force operations in support of Operation Martillo and the countering transnational organized crime mission. He then returned to HSM-40 where he transitioned to the MH-60R aircraft and was a Plank Owner at the “Proud Warriors” of HSM-72. He deployed as the Detachment Maintenance Officer with HSM-72 Detachment two to Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, in support of CTF-64 and Syrian Chemical Weapons destruction. He also served as the Quality Assurance Officer and NATOPS Officer while at HSM-72.
Wiest attended the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor course in September 2015, and upon graduation earned his qualification as a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He then reported to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapon School Atlantic where he served as the Anti-submarine Warfare Officer, Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program Officer, and Training Officer. Following his tour at the Weapons School, he reported to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 as a helicopter operations representative. During his time at CVW-3 he also served as the Air Wing Readiness Officer and the Assistant Operations Officer and completed various embarkations aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
He returned to the fleet as a Department Head at the “Magicians” of HSM-35. While with the Magicians, he served as the Officer In Charge of Detachment three, participating in two evolutions of Joint Exercise Resolute Hunter as well as supporting Air Test and Evaluation (HX) 21’s execution of initial wind envelope development for the Zumwalt class destroyer onboard USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). He also served as the Training Officer and Operations Officer while at HSM-35.
Following his department head tour, he reported to the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center where he served as the MH-60R Weapon School, “Seahunter”, Assistant Department Head as well as the MH-60R Integration Cell representative. He selected for squadron command in March 2023 and is currently serving as the Executive Officer at HSM-46.
Wiest has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours, including 2,000 in the H-60. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.