Adm. James Kilby, the vice chief of naval operations, has officially joined the ranks of the Navy’s most seasoned leaders by receiving the esteemed “Old Salt” award.
The 62-year-old officer accepted the honor on Tuesday, marking a milestone in his distinguished career that spans decades of service and leadership within the United States Navy.
The “Old Salt” distinction is more than a ceremonial title. It is a symbol of enduring dedication and experience, reserved for the active-duty Navy officer with the earliest date of qualification as a surface warfare officer.
The Surface Navy Association presented the award to Adm. Kilby during a ceremony that celebrated his long-standing commitment to naval excellence and leadership at sea.
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Adm. Kilby’s recent career has been defined by remarkable responsibility and steady leadership. Earlier this year, he served as the acting chief of naval operations from February 21 to August 25, 2025, stepping into the role after President Donald Trump removed Adm. Lisa Franchetti from her post.
Kilby’s tenure as acting CNO demonstrated his steady hand during a time of transition within the Navy’s highest ranks. Following his interim service, Adm. Daryl Caudle assumed duties as the 34th chief of naval operations, allowing Kilby to resume his position as vice chief.
Kilby is the 22nd recipient of the “Old Salt” award, following Adm. Chris Grady, who held the distinction before him.
Appropriately, the presentation of the award took place during Adm. Grady’s farewell tribute and retirement ceremony, marking the end of one legacy and the continuation of another.
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The gesture carried a symbolic passing of the torch between two dedicated officers who have helped shape modern surface warfare strategy.
The origins of the “Old Salt” award date back to 1988, when the Navy sought a meaningful way to honor its most experienced surface warfare officers.
The tradition is closely tied to a bronze statue depicting a naval officer standing on a ship’s pitching deck. What makes the statue especially significant is the material from which it is made.
It contains metal salvaged from several historic U.S. naval vessels, including the USS Maine, whose sinking in Havana Harbor in 1898 sparked the Spanish-American War. This tangible link to naval history connects each recipient to the service’s proud past.
When a new “Old Salt” is named, their name is engraved on a brass plate affixed to the statue’s base. The honoree may keep the statue for the remainder of their active-duty service or, if they choose, display it within their command.
This tradition reinforces the sense of continuity and respect for those who dedicate their lives to the surface fleet.
Selection for the “Old Salt” award is not arbitrary. The Surface Warfare director of the U.S. Navy determines which officer holds the earliest qualification date as a surface warfare officer while still serving on active duty.
This criterion ensures that the honor remains grounded in experience and longevity rather than rank or title alone.
Previous recipients include some of the Navy’s most respected leaders, such as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen and former Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Adm. John Harvey. These names highlight the caliber of leadership represented by the award.
Throughout his career, Adm. Kilby has served in a variety of leadership roles that reflect both his technical expertise and his ability to guide sailors through complex operations.
His assignments have included commander of the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, commander of Carrier Strike Group 1, director of Warfare Integration (N9I), deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9), and deputy commander for U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
He also led Task Force EIGHT ZERO, a position that placed him at the forefront of operational readiness and tactical development.
Adm. Kilby assumed his current position as vice chief of naval operations on January 5, 2024.
His decades of service have been defined by an unwavering commitment to strengthening the surface fleet and ensuring that sailors are equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
The “Old Salt” award therefore represents not only his longevity but also his continued influence and leadership in shaping the Navy’s strategic direction.
In many ways, the ceremony honoring Adm. Kilby serves as a reminder of the traditions that bind the Navy’s past to its present.
Because the award celebrates both experience and service, it reinforces the enduring values of professionalism, dedication, and excellence that define naval leadership.
At the same time, it signals the Navy’s respect for the continuity of wisdom passed from one generation of sailors to the next.
Adm. Kilby’s recognition as the newest “Old Salt” captures that spirit perfectly, celebrating a lifetime of service that continues to guide the Navy toward its future.
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