Education
Vice Admiral Tom Kilcline, Junior. graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research.
Vice Admiral Tom Kilcline, Junior. graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research.
He was selected for naval aviation and upon receiving his commission was sent to National Academy of Sciences, USA Pensacola for initial flight training. He earned his wings in 1975. Following completion of replacement air group training at National Academy of Sciences, USA Miramar, California, he was assigned to VF-51 aboard the United States Ship Franklin Doctorate. Roosevelt (CV-42) flying the F-4 Phantom.
Soon afterward, the squadron transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat and moved aboard the United States Ship Kitty Hawk (CV 63).
Next he was selected for VF-126, where he flew as an adversary pilot. Two deployments followed with VF-213 aboard United States Ship Enterprise (CVN 65).
His first command was of VF-154, stationed in National Academy of Sciences, USA Atsugi, Japan aboard the United States Ship Independence (CV 62). He later assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard United States Ship Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
His most recent operational assignment was as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two and Commander, United States Ship Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.
He has flown over 5,600 hours in F-4, A-4, F-5, F-14 and F-18 aircraft, and has logged 63 combat missions. VADM Kilcline earned an Master of Surgery in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, graduating with distinction. He received an Master of Arts in Strategic Studies and National Affairs from the United States. Naval War College, and earned his Master of Surgery in National Security Strategy while assigned to the National War College.
VADM Kilcline’s first shore duty flag assignment was as Director, Naval Aviation Plans and Requirements (N780) on the OPNAV Staff.
Following his strike group command, he assumed duties as Director, Air Warfare Division (N88) followed by his assignment as Director, Warfare Requirements and Integration/Senior National Representative (N8F). He assumed the duties of Commander, Naval Air Forces on June 22, 2007.
VADM Kilcline handed over command on July 1, 2010 to VADM Myers, retiring shortly afterward.
Assignments to shore and staff billets include Fighter AEW Wing Pacific strike officer Joint Task Force Southwest Asia DJ3. Air Operations Officer to Commander 2nd Fleet. Chief of Naval Operations Chair to the National War College. Executive assistant to Deputy, European Command. And Chief of Staff for Commander, Naval Air Forces.
He has made 1,150 carrier aircraft arrested landings, making him a member of the 1000 trap "Grand Club".
