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Captain James M. Kinter

CAPT Mike Kinter was born in San Diego, California and received his commission through Officer Candidate School, Pensacola in 1999.

 

He was designated a Naval Aviator in March 2002 and received orders to the “Shamrocks” of VS-41 at NAS North Island for S-3 Viking training. He joined the “Maulers” of VS-32 for his first fleet assignment stationed aboard NAS Jacksonville. The squadron embarked to the Arabian Gulf in support of OIF and OEF operations aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).

 

In June 2006, CAPT Kinter was selected for F/A-18E transition and reported to VFA-122. Upon completion he became a member of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces of Carrier Air Wing FIVE and the “Royal Maces” of VFA-27 in Atsugi, Japan. The squadron embarked to the Western Pacific aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73).

 

Returning again to the fleet, CAPT Kinter left Japan for his Department Head tour with the “Rampagers” of VFA-83 based at NAS Oceana, VA where he served as Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, and completed one Combat deployment aboard USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of OEF from May to December 2012.

 

In January 2013, CAPT Kinter reported to the U.S. Naval War College earning his Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He subsequently received orders for his Joint tour assignment to United States Northern Command in Colorado Springs where he was selected as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commander.

 

CAPT Kinter then reported to the “Vigilantes” of VFA-151 in Lemoore, CA as Executive Officer in July 2016. He took over as Commanding Officer in December 2017 and led the unit through workups and 2018-19 Combat Deployment aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM SENTINEL, and RESOLUTE SUPPORT. Upon completion he received orders to PERS-43 and assumed the duties of CDR TACAIR detailer (PERS-431) in June 2019 and subsequently took over as Head Detailer (PERS-432) in December 2020. Following that tour, he then joined CVW-17 and is currently serving as the Commander.

 

CAPT Kinter is a 1998 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Aeronautical Science with a Minor in Aviation Safety.

 

He has accumulated 3200 total hours and 950 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.

Last Updated: 6 June 2023


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