Commanding Officer
Capt. Hamish Kirkland
Capt. Kirkland is a native of Canberra, Australia. The son of a career Foreign Service officer, his primary education took place in Ghana, India, and Kenya. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas.
A career naval aviator, his operational assignments include service with the “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, catapult and arresting gear officer (Shooter) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), department head with the “Pelicans” of VP-45, and executive and 69th commanding officer of the “Golden Eagles” of VP-9.
His shore assignments include flag lieutenant to Commander, Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), instructor pilot at the maritime patrol and reconnaissance fleet replacement squadron, VP-30, Washington placement officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (PERS 441), Plans, Requirements and Japan Engagement Director (N5/N7J/N8) for Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, Executive Assistant to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / 5th Fleet, Chief of Staff, Combined Maritime Forces, and Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / 5th Fleet.
He is currently the Commanding Officer of VP-30.
Kirkland's decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, and various other unit and campaign awards.