Captain Przemyslaw “Kaz” Kaczynski is a naturalized citizen from Poland and a native of Seattle, Washington.  He received his commission in 1996 through the NROTC program and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in East European and Russian Studies.  Upon basic and advanced flight training, he reported to VAW-120 in Norfolk, Virginia and learned to fly the E-2C Hawkeye.

Most recently, he served as Operations Department Head at Navy Warfare Development Command. 
 
His sea duty assignments began with the VAW-116 SUN KINGS in Point Mugu, California.  He later served as a department head with VAW-112.  While assigned to VAW-112, Kaz was chosen by his community peers to receive the 2007-2008 Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award, presented by Commander, Naval Air Forces.  In 2013, he reported to SEAHAWKS of VAW-126 in Norfolk, VA to serve as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer operating with USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) homeported in Norfolk, VA.  Following successful completion of his command tour, he served as the Air Officer onboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN- 77) from September 2015 to October 2017.    

Ashore, CAPT Kaczynski served with the GREYHAWKS of VAW-120 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron pilot instructor.  He attended Naval War College and graduated with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.  Afterwards, he was assigned to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command where he served as the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Commander.

Captain Kaczynski accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours and over 400 arrested landings in the E-2C Hawkeye.  He is a graduate of the Joint and Combined Warfighting School and is fluent in Polish.
 
His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (individual and strike/flight awards), and various campaign and unit awards.

Last Updated: 21 December 2020