Squadron Augment Unit | VT-2

Commanding Officer

CDR Kinley was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. He received his commission in June of 2004, graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, NY with a Bachelor's degree in Marine Systems Engineering.

CDR Kinley completed Primary and Advanced Flight training at NAS Whiting Field with VT-3 and HT-18, and received his "Wings of Gold" on 17 November 2006. He was hand selected from the top of his winging class to be one of the Navy's first MH-60R pilots. He reported to the Fleet Replacement Squadron, HSM-41 at NAS North Island, CA to begin training on the MH-60R, "Romeo". Upon completion of the FRS he reported to the Navy's first MH-60R squadron, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVENTY ONE (HSM-71), the "Raptors". As a "Plank Owner" of HSM-71, he completed the squadron's inaugural deployment with the John C. Stennis Strike Group in the 7th Fleet AOR, operating from both the CVN and multiple CRUDES ships. HSM-71's employment of the helicopter, Strike Group integration, and tactics development were instrumental in the success of the MH-60R and paved the way for the current Romeo community. After his fleet tour CDR Kinley volunteered for a 13 month Individual Augmentation assigned to CJIATF-435 at the Detention Facility in Parwan Afghanistan, acting as a Personal Representative for all US Law of Armed Conflict detainees.

Following his sea tour, CDR Kinley was assigned to Training Squadron TWO (VT-2), at NAS Whiting Field, FL as one of the squadron's first T-6B Instructor Pilots. While at VT-2 he attended the Naval Aviation Safety School, served as the Aviation Safety Officer and NATOPS Officer, and trained 26 "On-wings" from their first flight through solo. CDR Kinley transitioned from Active Duty to Selected Reserves in December 2014, where he joined the VT-2 Squadron Augment Unit (SAU). CDR Kinley assumed command of the VT-2 SAU in October 2022.

CDR Kinley has accumulated more the 3,000 hours in the T-6B, holds all available qualification in the aircraft, and has personally trained more than 1,500 Student Naval Aviators and Instructor Pilots. His awards include the Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and multiple unit citations.