ANA Pitcairn Squadron

NROTC University of Pennsylvania / Drexel University

On March 26, 2008, the Association of Naval Aviation, Pitcairn Squadron lost a most valued member.
CAPT James Ross Kenney, Jr. USNR (Retired) had served as Commanding Officer of the Pitcairn Squadron and was presently serving as Operations Officer at the time of his death. CAPT Kenney was commissioned in December 1961 and during his Active Duty years served with Attack Squadron 81 and Carrier Air Group 8 and on board USS Forrestal and USS Raleigh.

Upon release from Active Duty, he affiliated with the Naval Air Reserve at NAS Willow Grove, PA. He served as Commanding Officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 52 and as Commanding Officer for augmentation units for Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland and the USS Coral Sea CV-43. CAPT Kenney retired from the Naval Air Reserve in 1991 with 30 years of service.

On April 30, 2008, the Pitcairn Squadron awarded a sword to an outstanding senior midshipman at the University of Pennsylvania NROTC unit in the memory of CAPT Kenney. Chosen for this year's award was Midshipman First Class Christopher Conway. Midshipman Conway has excelled as a Business Administration major at Drexel University with a 3.65 GPA. He currently serves as battalion commanding officer of his NROTC unit.

Colonel G. L. Wagner, USMC, Commanding Officer of the NROTC unit stated, "his strong work ethic and excellent management abilities are the epitome of the kind of standards we strive to maintain in our midshipmen and future officers. Christopher is an exceptional young man and a deserving recipient of your generous gift."

The sword presentation was made by Mrs. Marjorie Kenney, CAPT Kenney's wife. Midshipman Conway has selected Naval Aviation as his career path and is presently awaiting orders to begin his flight training.