Captain Robert “Barr” Kimnach III is a native of New England and 1998 graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Economics and History. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) from San Diego State University.
CAPT Kimnach earned his commission through the University of North Carolina Reserve Officer Training Corps Program in 1998 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1999. He has accumulated over 2800 hours flying operationally in both SH-60B and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
His ship afloat assignments include Navigator aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) and Assistant Air Operations Officer aboard USS TARAWA (LHA 1). CAPT Kimnach’s sea duty aviation assignments include the “Battlecats” of HSL-43, the “Wolfpack” of HSL-45/HSM-75, and as Commanding Officer of the HSM-49 “Scorpions”, during which the squadron earned its first ever Battle Efficiency Award.
While embarked on USS ANTIETAM (CG 54), USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), USS CURTS (FFG 38), USS TARAWA (LHA 1), and USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71), CAPT Kimnach deployed multiple times across THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Fleets in support of various operations including anti-piracy, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM.
CAPT Kimnach’s shore tours include Flight Instructor at HSL-41, Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, Executive Assistant to U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND (J3) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD J32), and N8/9 Experimentation and Requirements for U.S. THIRD FLEET.
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit commendations and service/campaign awards.
Last Updated: 3 June 2022