Executive Officer
Cmdr. Kristin Acton
A native of Oak Harbor, Washington, Cmdr. Acton graduated with merit from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. She earned her designation as a Naval Aviator in October 2009 and completed flight training and carrier qualification in the C-2A with Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120 in October 2010.
Cmdr. Acton was assigned to Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) Squadron 40 for her first sea tour flying the C-2A and served as the squadron Assistant Operations Officer. She deployed with the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) from May-December 2011 in support of Operations Saxon, Warrior, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. She later deployed with the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) from June-October 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Cmdr. Acton reported to VT-9 in August 2013 as a T-45C Instructor Pilot, NATOPS officer, and student control officer. In May 2016, Cmdr. Acton reported to the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and served as the assistant air officer, lead catapult officer, V-1 division officer, and first arresting gear officer during inaugural flight testing. While attached to Ford, she deployed with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) from July-October 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Cmdr. Acton returned to VRC-40 in July 2019 for her department head tour flying the C-2A and served as maintenance officer and operations officer to provide uninterrupted logistics support for all East Coast carrier operations. In March-April 2021, she deployed with DEVGRU as the officer in charge to conduct paradrop training with the C-2A.
Cmdr. Acton reported to Joint Staff J-7, Joint Force Development Directorate, Joint Training (DDJT) in January 2022 as the deputy division chief in the Joint Lessons Learned division. She served as Joint Staff’s lead Action Officer for the Secretary of Defense directed After Action Review of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and executed the DDJT realignment campaign to support Elite Constellation, serving as the first operations officer in the newly created Joint Enabling and Learning Division.
Cmdr. Acton selected for command in March 2023 and is scheduled to report to Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes in October 2024 as the Executive Officer.
Cmdr. Acton has flown over 2,100 flight hours and has 124 arrested landings on six aircraft carriers. Her personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, as well as multiple unit and service awards.