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: Junior Officer/Mission Commander/Instructor Pilot with the “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer (Shooter) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, Coronado, California; Department Head with the “Pelicans” of VP-45, NAS Jacksonville, Florida; Executive Officer and 69th Commanding Officer of the “Golden Eagles” of VP-9, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington; and Battle Director for the 609th Combined Air and Space Operations Center, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
His shore assignments include: Flag Aide to Commander, Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), NAS Fallon, Nevada; Instructor Pilot at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron (VP 30), NAS Jacksonville, Florida; Washington, D.C. Placement Officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (PERS 441), Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mid-South, Millington, Tennessee; Plans, Requirements and Japan Engagement Director (N5/N7J/N8) for Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan; Executive Assistant to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet, NSA Bahrain; Chief of Staff, Combined Maritime Forces, NSA Bahrain; and Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet, NSA Bahrain.
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, the Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award, and various other unit and campaign awards