Vice Adm. James Kilby is a native of Pound Ridge, New York, and a 1986 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.
Kilby’s sea tours were on USS Sampson (DDG 10), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and two tours on USS San Jacinto (CG 56).  He commanded USS Russell (DDG 59) where he received the Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership.  His major command was on USS Monterey (CG 61) and included her maiden Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) deployment in 2011.

His shore tours included the Naval Postgraduate School, two tours in Office of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Surface Warfare Directorate (OPNAV N96), Navy Personnel Command’s Surface Warfare Division (PERS-41) and the Aegis BMD Program Office in the Missile Defense Agency.
Kilby’s first flag assignment was standing up Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC).  Following this, he served as commander, Carl Vinson Strike Group and deployed to the western pacific in 2017.  His most recent assignment was as Director, Warfare Integration (OPNAV N9I).

He assumed his role as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (OPNAV N9) in July 2019.