CAPT John C. Kiefaber

Past Commanding Officer, USS Tripoli (LHA 7)

01 August 2022 Capt. John C. Kiefaber a Great Falls, Virginia native, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. He was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1999. He earned an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2005.

His sea tours include: HSL-44, where he deployed aboard USS Klakring (FFG 42), USS John L. Hall (FFG 32), and USS Cape St. George (CG 71); USS Boxer (LHD 4) as the Hangar Officer, Aircraft Handling Officer and Assistant Air Officer; HSL-45 as the squadron NATOPS Officer, Safety Officer, and Maintenance Officer, and as the Helicopter Detachment Officer-In-Charge aboard USS Gary (FFG 51); USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the Operations Officer.

His shore tours include: HSL-41 in San Diego for duty as a SH-60B Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot; United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida, where he served as the Aide-de-Camp for two SOUTHCOM Commanders; and Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Assistant Chief of Staff (ACOS) for CVN Training and Readiness (N7).

After transitioning from the SH-60B to the MH-60R, Capt. Kiefaber reported to the “Wolf Pack” of HSM-75 as the Executive Officer, and was the Commanding Officer from March 2016 until June 2017.

In October 2020, Capt. Kiefaber reported aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the Executive Officer, and he assumed command of Tripoli on Aug. 1, 2022.

His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (one award), and various unit commendations and service/campaign medals.