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Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 “Grey Knights”

Commander Kenny Prindle

Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 46

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Photo By: MC1 Grififth
VIRIN: 240523-N-UM741-1002

Cmdr. Kenny Prindle, a native of Fairfax, Va., graduated from George Mason University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 2008.

Prindle’s first sea assignment was with the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) aboard NAS Brunswick, Maine, and NAS Jacksonville, Florida, from December 2008 to February 2012, flying the P-3C Orion. While there, he completed two operational deployments to the FIFTH Fleet Area of Responsibility while supporting Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN. He qualified as Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator, Patrol Plane Mission Commander, Patrol Plane Instructor Tactical Coordinator, and NATOPS Instructor during his time with VP-10.

Prindle’s first shore assignment was at Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) in Jacksonville, Florida, as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor from February 2012 to February 2015. While on board the “Pro’s Nest,” he transitioned to the P-8A Poseidon serving as the Fleet Integration and Projects NFO, NFO NATOPS Officer, Fleet NATOPS Evaluator, NFO Instructor Under Training Standardization (IUT-STAN) Officer, and FRS NFO Training Officer. Prindle also completed an Executive Masters of Business Administration with a subspecialty in Defense Finance and Acquisitions through the Naval Post-Graduate School in 2014.

Prindle reported to USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) in Norfolk, Virginia, serving as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer and V-1 Division Officer from March 2015 to February 2017. Additionally, he qualified as an Officer of the Deck Underway (OOD-U).

In February 2017, Prindle reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he studied Strategy and Warfare, Theater Security Decision Making, and Joint Maritime Operations. He completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) 1 and was awarded a Masters of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies with a subspecialty in National Security Studies.

Prindle completed P-8A Poseidon refresher training and reported to the “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron TWO SIX (VP-26) in Jacksonville, Florida in July 2018 for his Department Head tour. While on board VP-26, he qualified as a P-8A Patrol Instructor Under Training Instructor (IUT-I) NFO, Wing Qualified Instructor (WQI), and Assistant NATOPS Instructor. Prindle served as Commander, Task Group (CTG) 67.1 Operations Officer, Squadron Training Officer, and ultimately served as Operations Officer during the “Trident’s” deployment to SOUTHCOM and INDOPACOM.

In December of 2020, Prindle reported to Director, Air Warfare Division (OPNAV N98) serving as the Multi-Mission Deputy Branch Head and Assistant P-8A Requirements Officer, managing fourteen programs while achieving his Level C Requirements Certification.

Following P-8A refresher training, Prindle reported to VP-46 in April of 2023 serving as Executive Officer.

Throughout his naval career he has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours, primarily in the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight) (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3),

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and other personal, campaign and service ribbons. In 2014, he was recognized as the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Atlantic Naval Flight Officer of the Year. He is married to Kristen and they have two boys, Connor and Colin.

Leaders

Commander Kenny Prindle

Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 46

Commander Eric Bowen

Executive Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 46

Command Master Chief Richard A. Alvarado

Command Master Chief, Patrol Squadron (VP) 46


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