The “Fighting Marlins” of Patrol Squadron 40 (VP-40) observed a change of command ceremony March 18 when Cmdr. Kenneth J. Bowen II relieved Cmdr. Stanton W. Dietrich.

Dietrich, who took command of VP-40 on Feb. 27, 2004, leaves Whidbey Island to become Director, Programming Division for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (N80).

Bowen, a native of Piedmont, S.C., graduated from Clemson University in 1986. He received his commission from Aviation Officer Candidate School in April 1987. Earning his wings as a Naval aviator in June 1988, he was placed on the Commodore’s List of Distinguished Graduates.

Bowen reported to VT-3 as a selectively retained graduate flight instructor where he instructed students in primary and intermediate flight training. During his tour, he received every flight instructor qualification and received the coveted Red Max award for flight instructional excellence and earned a master’s degree from Troy State University.

From 1990 to 1993, Bowen served with the Fighting Tigers of VP-8. He completed a split-site deployment to Sigonella, Sicily, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, flying combat missions in Desert Storm. His next deployment was in the Caribbean theater conducting counter-narcotic operations in support of Joint Task Force 4.

In 1993, Bowen reported to the Commander, Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, Va., where he served as flag lieutenant and personal aide to Rear Admirals Granuzzo and Mobley. His next assignment was on board USS George Washington (CVN 73) as V-2 division officer qualifying as catapult/arresting gear officer and primary flight control officer. He completed deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf.

He returned to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community joining VP-30 where he qualified as a fleet replacement squadron (FRS) instructor pilot. There he served as the VP-30 safety officer and Commander, Patrol Wings Atlantic fleet safety officer.

In 1998, he reported to Tridents of VP-26 deploying to the Mediterranean theater. He flew missions in Operations Deliberate Guard and Deliberate Forge and served as officer-in-charge of the Patron Rota, Spain, detachment. His second deployment with the Tridents was a split-site deployment to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and Keflavik, Iceland, where he served as officer-in-charge.

In 2000, Bowen reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, Tenn., where he served as the VP air combat placement officer. In 2002, he reported to VP-30, the fleet replacement squadron, in Jacksonville, Fla., as executive officer then in 2004, reported to the Fighting Marlins of VP-40 as executive officer.

Bowen’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other campaigns, service and unit awards.