James A. Aiken
James A. Aiken Jr. (born 1967) is a United States Navy rear admiral and surface warfare officer who serves as the 11th commander of the United States Naval Forces Southern Command and United States Fourth Fleet since September 3, 2021. He previously served as the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3 from April 30, 2020 to August 2021, with command tours as commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 from December 13, 2013 to August 3, 2015, and commanding officer of the USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) from April 18, 2007 to October 15, 2008. He was promoted to his present rank on April 1, 2021.
James A. Aiken Jr. | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2021 | |
| Nickname(s) | 'lil Jimmy |
| Born | 1967 (age 56–57) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1989–present |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands held | U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command United States Fourth Fleet Carrier Strike Group 3 Destroyer Squadron 60 USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (4) |
| Alma mater | Pennsylvania State University (BS) United States Naval War College (MSS) |
A native of Pittsburgh, Aiken earned his commission via the NROTC Program at Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He also earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the United States Naval War College.