Executive Officer
Cmdr. Kira Devers-Jones
Cmdr. Kira Devers-Jones is a native of Accokeek, Maryland. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Cmdr. Devers-Jones was designated as a Naval Aviator in July 2011 before reporting to HSM-40 for initial SH-60B Fleet Replacement Pilot training. In May 2012, she reported to her first operational squadron with the “Vipers” of HSL-48, homeported in Mayport, Florida. While there, she deployed onboard USS Nicholas (FFG 47), participating in Operation Ocean Shield as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2).
Following her designation as helicopter aircraft commander, she deployed onboard USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), participating in Operation Active Endeavor, also as part of SNMG2. During her tour she was selected as the HSL-48 Pilot of the Year for 2014.
Cmdr. Devers-Jones transitioned from the SH-60B to the MH-60R in spring of 2015 prior to reporting to the “Seahawks” of HSM-41 as a flight instructor. While there, she served as assistant NATOPS officer, flight lead, Naval Aviation production process officer and assistant training department head and accumulated over 650 instructor flight hours.
For her disassociated sea tour, Cmdr. Devers-Jones joined Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) One, embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). She participated in the 2018 Western Pacific deployment and Rim of the Pacific 2018 where she served as air operations officer, safety officer, and admin department head. She also participated in Pacific Partnership 2019 where she served as officer in charge for the mission in Vietnam and assistant officer in charge for the mission in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Cmdr. Devers-Jones returned to flying as a department head with the “Warlords” of HSM-51, homeported in Atsugi, Japan. While there, she completed multiple patrols in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility as Airboss onboard USS Mustin (DDG 89). Her other duties at HSM-51 included training department head and squadron maintenance officer.
Following her department head tour, Cmdr. Devers-Jones transferred to PERS-43 where she served as helicopter and Osprey initial shore detailer and aviation graduate education detailer. She was selected for squadron command in March 2023 and reported to the “Griffins” of HSM-79, homeported in Rota, Spain in September 2024.
Cmdr. Devers-Jones has accumulated over 2200 flight hours in military aircraft. Her awards include five Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and various other unit, campaign, and service awards.