James Philip Kitzmiller

Deputy Chair Strategy and Policy Department
Capt., U.S. Navy
James Philip Kitzmilller Profile Image

Biography

Capt. Jim Kitzmiller is a military professor in the Strategy and Policy Department. Recently he served as Commander, Task Group 56.6/Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center Forward in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. A career surface warfare officer and a joint qualified officer, he has deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf. His combat tours include Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel. He earned his M.S. in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2008 and served as faculty in 2013. He is an honors graduate of Western Connecticut State University receiving his commission through Officer Candidate School in 1985.

Areas of Expertise

  • Afghanistan
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Desert Storm
  • Joint Operations
  • Koreas
  • Surface Warfare

Professional Highlights

2017

Military Faculty, U.S. Naval War College, Strategy & Policy Department

Reported for duty at U.S. Naval War College. Assigned to their Strategy & Policy (S&P) Department.
2016

Commander, Task Group 56.6/Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center Forward Central

Administrative Control (ADCON) and command responsibility of over 300 Navy Individual Augmentees (IAs) assigned to 28 Joint and Combined Commands throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operations FREEDOM SENTINEL, RESOLUTE SUPPORT, and INHERENT RESOLVE.
2013

Military Faculty, U.S. Army War College, Department of Military Strategy, Policy, and Operations

Navy Senior Service Representative and Military Faculty at the U.S. Army War College Department of Military Strategy, Policy, and Operations (DMSPO). Presented on maritime security issues in academic exchanges with the Peoples Republic of China's Academy of Military Science.
2011

Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea/Task Force 78

Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (N3) at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea/Task Force 78. Ensured persistent connectivity in the first ever operational ROK-US bi-lateral data Link 16 tracking of North Korea's successful Taepo-Dong II missile launch on 12 December 2012.
2008

U.S. Army War College

Student in the Department of Distance Education.
2007

Commander, Amphibious Group 3

Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve, Commander, Amphibious Group 3.
2003

3rd Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO)

Officer in Charge of Naval Reserve, 3rd Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO). Mobilized with 3rd ANGLICO in 2003 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.
1998

USS MERRILL (DD-976)

Combat Systems Department Head onboard USS MERRILL (DD-976). Spearheaded two successful cruise missile tactical qualifications and operational test launches of the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile. Deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of United Nations economic sanctions against Iraq.
1991

USS HORNE (CG-30)

Weapons Officer and Tactical Action Officer onboard USS HORNE (CG-30). Deployed to the Arabian Gulf and conducted combat operations against Iraqi forces in support of Operation DESERT STORM.
1989

USS COONTZ (DDG-40)

Main Engines Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) onboard USS COONTZ (DDG-40)

Education

M.S., U.S. Army War College, 2008, Strategic Studies

B.A., Western Connecticut State University, 1984, Liberal Arts

Diploma, Joint Forces Staff College, 2011, Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JCWS)

Diploma, U.S. Naval War College, 2009, Maritime Staff Operators Course (MSOC)

Diploma, Canadian Forces College, 2002, Command and Staff Course

Awards and Decorations

Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year, COMNAVSURFPAC
1995

Defense Superior Service Medal, SECDEF, 2016 Legion of Merit, COMPACFLT
2013

Navy Commendation Medal w/'V', COMIDEASTFOR
1991

Combat Action Ribbon, CG I MEF, 2003. Combat Action Ribbon, SECNAV
1991

External Memberships and Associations

U.S. Naval Institute

Surface Navy Association

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