Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacquelin Frost | Cmdr. Kenny Prindle, previous commanding officer to Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, ‘Grey...... read more read more
KEFLAVÍK, Iceland (May 30, 2025) - Cmdr. Eric Bowen relieved Cmdr. Kenny Prindle to become the 90th commanding officer of the ‘Grey Knights’ of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 during a Change of Command ceremony at Keflavík Air Base, Iceland, May 30, 2025.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of a highly successful tour for Prindle. Prindle led the Grey Knights through a productive home cycle in Whidbey Island, Wash., as the 89th commanding officer. His time in command included Exercise Rim of the Pacific 24, Homeland Security Defense, and support to U.S. 7th Fleet. Additionally, the Grey Knights hosted Commander’s Operational Group (COG) and earned a perfect 400/400 score during the Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI). Prindle ultimately led the Grey Knights on to a split site deployment supporting operations in both the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation.
Prindle reflected on the importance of trust in an operational naval aviation patrol squadron during his farewell message to the Grey Knights.
“Trust, and the respect you show for yourselves, for each other, and for the mission, are what makes this team unstoppable,” said Prindle. “Thank you for trusting in one another. Thank you for trusting me.”
Bowen had previously assumed the duty of VP-46 executive officer in May 2024.
Bowen oversaw the daily operations of the squadron as the executive officer during the home cycle, and in both the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations during the current rotational deployment.
“Today, the Grey Knights, are operating daily from multiple countries across the globe, executing combatant commander priorities. That is no small feat and is indicative of the remarkable trust established throughout the entire command under Skipper Prindle’s leadership. I am humbled by the opportunity to command the ‘Oldest and the Best’ and excited to lead the outstanding men and women of VP-46.”
Capt. Dennis Jensen, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director, Political-Military Affairs, J-5, delivered remarks as the guest speaker. Capt. J. T. Pianetta, Commodore, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten, presided over the ceremony and awarded Prindle with the Meritorious Service Medal.
VP-46 operates the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and are based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. The Grey Knights have the distinction of being the oldest maritime patrol squadron and the second oldest naval aviation squadron in the United States Navy.
VP-46 and VP-69 are currently on a joint deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region.
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2025 14:44 |
| Story ID: | 499599 |
| Location: | KEFLAVIK, IS |
| Web Views: | 170 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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