CAPT Derrick Kingsley is a native of Granite City, Illinois and a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1998, he reported to the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FIVE "Night Dippers" in September 1999, flying the SH-60F and HH-60H out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida. During this tour, he deployed with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, as well as USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
In January 2003, CAPT Kingsley reported for shore duty to the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TEN "War Hawks" aboard NAS North Island. At HS-10, he became qualified Instructor Pilot in all mission areas. During the time, he also earned a Master of Science Degree from the University of San Diego.
CAPT Kingsley reported to USS BOXER (LHD 4) aboard Naval Station San Diego in June 2005, serving as the Safety Officer and Officer of the Deck.
In July 2007, CAPT Kingsley reported for a department head assignment with HS-5 "Night Dippers,” serving as Administrative Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer. During this tour, he again deployed with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
Following this tour, CAPT Kingsley reported as the Assistant Officer in Charge of Commander Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic Detachment Jacksonville. In January 2010, he detached onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE in the Bay of Haiti. CAPT Kingsley reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE aboard NAS North Island in July 2010, qualifying as an MH-60S Instructor Pilot. Following his transition to the MH-60S, CAPT Kingsley served with distinction as the HSC-3 Executive Officer from May 2011 until June 2012. In June 2012, he became the Executive Officer for the HSC-8 “Eightballers” and completed an eight-month deployment with the USS JOHN C. STENNIS Strike Group in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. From September 2013, to December 2014, CAPT Kingsley commanded the “Eightballers”- leading them through 11 highly successful detachments and various inspections. Following his operational Command at Sea tour, CAPT Kingsley worked as the Chief of Naval Operations Plans and Policy Deputy Branch Head and lead Action Officer for the Strategic Laydown and Dispersal portfolio from January 2015 – January 2018. CAPT Kingsley reported to the Joint Staff (J35) in January 2018 where he served as the Chief of Operations for the National Military Command Center. From September 2018, until December 2019, CAPT Kingsley served as the Chief of Staff for the Director of Operations (J3). He then served as the interim commanding officer of Naval Air Facility El Centro in El Centro, California from January to March of 2020.
CAPT Kingsley reported as the Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River on Sept. 17, 2020.
His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (second award), Air Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Last Updated: 24 October 2022