CAPT Kenneth “Spool” Ward

Past Commanding Officer, USS America (LHA 6)

11 December 2020 Captain Ward is a native of Corpus Christi, TX, raised in Helena, MT and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in December 1996. He received his commission from Naval Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida in December 1997 and was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1999.
 
Captain Ward’s sea assignments include deployments with the HSL-48 VIPERS in support of Counter Narcotics Operations embarked in USS MCINERNEY (FFG 8), Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom embarked in USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56); forward deployed to Sasebo Japan in USS JUNEAU (LPD 10) as Air Officer on America’s 911 LPD; forward deployed to the HSL-51 WARLORDS out of Atsugi, Japan serving as Maintenance Officer and Detachment FOUR OIC embarked in USS SHILOH (CG 67); forward deployed serving as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer with the HSM-77 SABERHAWKS attached to Carrier Air Wing FIVE deploying with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76); and as Executive Officer of USS AMERICA (LHA6). During his tour with the SABERHAWKS, the squadron was awarded the 2015 Battle “E” Award, and the 2016 Sikorsky Golden Wrench Award.
 
Captain Ward’s work ashore consisted of tours with the HSL-40 AIRWOLVES serving as an FRS Instructor and the COMNAVAIRLANT Search and Rescue program evaluator; Navy Personnel Command as the Washington DC Joint Staff Placement Officer (PERS-441A); a joint assignment to NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, Netherlands as a Joint Operations Center Staff Officer in support of NATO Response Force (NRF) Command and Control, and the ISAF Afghan Mission Network Operational Planning Team deploying to Poland, Germany and Afghanistan in support of NRF and ISAF developmental requirements; Director of Future Operations for Commander US Naval Forces Central Command and Commander U.S. FIFTH Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, planning and overseeing all facets of Naval operations throughout the CENTCOM area of operations; and most recently serving on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff in the Global Force Management Division (N312).
 
Captain Ward is the recipient of the 2011 Navy League John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (7 awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, and various other individual and unit commendations.