In a change of command ceremony on May 2, 2013, Cmdr. James P. Kennedy IV relieved Cmdr. Christopher A. Kijek as Commanding Officer of the Grey Knights, Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46).

Kijek’s tenure as Commanding Officer was filled with unprecedented accomplishments. During the past year, the Grey Knights added to their remarkable Pacific Fleet record of 49 years and 326,000 mishap-free flight hours. VP-46 set the standard for mission accomplishment during its 2012 deployment, recording an unparalleled 100 percent mission completion rate in support of 5th Fleet operations.

The Grey Knights’ dedication to safe and efficient operations earned the command the 2012 Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Battle Efficiency Award, the 2012 Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award, and the 2011-2012 Commander, Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award. VP-46 was additionally selected as the Pacific Fleet nominee for the prestigious 2012 Secretary of Defense Phoenix Award for Maintenance Excellence.

Kennedy, a native of Dallas, Texas, is a 1996 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He began his career with the Fighting Tigers of VP-8 stationed in Brunswick, Maine. Subsequent tours included Commander, Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Force 5th/7th Fleet; Assistant Navigator aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73); Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot at VP-30; Department Head at VP-5; and P-8A Poseidon Training Systems Lead at Naval Air Systems Command.

He checked aboard as Executive Officer of VP-46 in May 2012. Kennedy takes command of the squadron at a critical junction as the Grey Knights make final preparations for a 7th Fleet deployment.

With the passing of command, Kennedy becomes the 78th Commanding Officer of the Grey Knights, a tradition that dates back to 1931.

Cmdr. David Brinson reports for duty as the Executive Officer, with Master Chief Petty Officer Loy Hower continuing as the Grey Knight Command Master Chief.