James A. Aiken

James A. Aiken Jr. (born 1967) is a retired United States Navy rear admiral and surface warfare officer who last served as the 11th commander of the United States Naval Forces Southern Command and United States Fourth Fleet from 2021 to 2024. He previously served as the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3 from 2020 to 2021, with command tours as commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 from 2013 to 2015, and commanding officer of the from 2007 to 2008. He was promoted to his present rank on April 1, 2021.

A native of Pittsburgh, Aiken earned his commission via the NROTC Program at Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He also earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the United States Naval War College.

Awards and decorations Aiken delivers remarks during the change of command ceremony for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet, September 3, 2021.

Surface Warfare Officer PinDefense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit with three award stars Meritorious Service Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two award starsJoint Meritorious Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation Navy "E" Ribbon, 2nd awardNational Defense Service Medal with bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze service starIraq Campaign Medal with bronze service starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze service starsCommand at Sea insigniaOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge