James A. Aiken

James A. Aiken Jr. (born 1967)[1] is a United States Navy rear admiral and surface warfare officer who serves as the 11th commander of the United States Naval Forces Southern Command and United States Fourth Fleet since September 3, 2021.[2] He previously served as the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3 from April 30, 2020 to August 2021,[3] with command tours as commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 from December 13, 2013 to August 3, 2015, and commanding officer of the USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) from April 18, 2007 to October 15, 2008.[4][5] He was promoted to his present rank on April 1, 2021.[6]

James A. Aiken Jr.
Official portrait, 2021
Nickname(s)'lil Jimmy
Born1967 (age 56–57)
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1989–present
RankRear Admiral
Commands heldU.S. Naval Forces Southern Command
United States Fourth Fleet
Carrier Strike Group 3
Destroyer Squadron 60
USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93)
AwardsDefense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (4)
Alma materPennsylvania State University (BS)
United States Naval War College (MSS)

A native of Pittsburgh, Aiken earned his commission via the NROTC Program at Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He also earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the United States Naval War College.[7]

Awards and decorations

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Aiken delivers remarks during the change of command ceremony for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet, September 3, 2021.
Surface Warfare Officer Pin
Defense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with three award starsMeritorious Service Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two award starsJoint Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy Meritorious Unit CommendationNavy "E" Ribbon, 2nd awardNational Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary MedalSouthwest Asia Service Medal with bronze service starIraq Campaign Medal with bronze service star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze service stars
Command at Sea insignia
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

References

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  1. ^ "Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Reserve Officers on Active Duty". U.S. Government Printing Office. September 23, 1990 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Changes Command". DVIDS.
  3. ^ "UNITED STATES NAVY FLAG OFFICERS (PUBLIC) August 2021" (PDF).
  4. ^ https://www.c6f.navy.mil/article710centerDESRON-60-Change-of-Command [dead link]
  5. ^ "Change of command ceremony". DVIDS.
  6. ^ "UNITED STATES NAVY FLAG OFFICERS (PUBLIC) September 2021" (PDF).
  7. ^ "Rear Admiral James A. Aiken". www.navy.mil.

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Navy.

Military offices
Preceded by Commanding Officer of USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93)
2007–2008
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60
2013–2015
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commander of Carrier Strike Group 3
2020–2021
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and United States Fourth Fleet
2021–present
Incumbent