Surface Navy Association

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ADM Jim Kilby becomes the 22nd SNA Old Salt

SNA "Old Salt" Transfer

National

Oct 1, 2025

The Surface Navy Association (SNA) ”Old Salt” designation, honoring the active duty U. S. Navy Officer with the earliest date of qualification as a Surface Warfare Officer, has passed to Admiral James Kilby who is currently assigned as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
Kilby relieved Admiral Christopher Grady, who has retired as the 12th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on 30 September after 40 years of selfless service to our nation. Admiral Kilby is now the 22nd individual to receive this honor.

For complete press release https://surfacewarfare.org/comms/kilby-oldsalt.pdf

SNA President VADM (Ret.) Ron Boxall presents a commemorative OLD SALT figurine to ADM Chris Grady, honoring his service as the outgoing OLD SALT before passing the title to ADM Jim Kilby. The presentation took place during ADM Grady’s Farewell Tribute and retirement ceremony as the 12th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Thank you to ADM Grady and his family for 42 years of selfless service to our nation.