PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Capt. Gregory Hinkle relieved Capt. Dennis Lloyd as program manager of the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office (PMA-264) during a change of command ceremony on May 30, 2025, at Naval Air Systems Command. The event, attended by family, friends, and colleagues, was presided over by Brig. Gen. David Walsh, program executive officer for Air, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs.
Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, Director of the Navy International Programs Office, served as the guest speaker, emphasizing PMA-264’s critical role in developing acoustic sensors and software for platforms like the MH-60 and P-8A. “Without PMA-264 sonobuoys and advanced processing they would be ineffective much like a gun without bullets,” Rossi said, underscoring the program’s importance to anti-submarine warfare.
Capt. Lloyd, who led PMA-264 from June 2022 to June 2025, oversaw the production and delivery of over 569,000 sonobuoys, essential for fleet operations. “PMA-264 is a small and mighty program office that does critical acquisition with our industry partners to design, build, test, produce and sustain critical anti-submarine warfare assets,” Lloyd said. His tenure included supporting 1,100 operational sorties, 8,000 flight hours, and over 500 hours of contact with foreign submarines. Lloyd also transitioned the P-8A Multistatic Active Coherent – Enhancements program into Operational Test and Evaluation and initiated the Undersea Advantage next-generation sonobuoy.
Lloyd’s leadership facilitated a major shift in the U.S. sonobuoy manufacturing base, moving from a sole-source joint venture to multiple competitive production lines while ensuring supply continuity. “This mission is not possible because of the program manager, but because of the experts within the team of program management, logistics, engineering, cost budgeting, financial management, cybersecurity and policy support to our fleet warfighters,” Lloyd said. After 28 years of service, Lloyd retired following the ceremony.
Rossi praised Lloyd’s impact, stating, “In every job he does; he digs in, he dominates, increases his knowledge. More important than the things he did and the places he has been are the effects he leaves behind. The impact to the fleet, the training, the leadership, the mentorship, and the friendship.”
Capt. Hinkle, who assumed command, brings extensive experience with P-3C and P-8A aircraft. Commissioned in 2005, he previously served as P-8A Military Class Desk Officer and Level 1 Integrated Product Team Lead at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290). “I am deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with this position, leading such an outstanding team is both an honor and privilege,” Hinkle said. “Together with our industry partners, we will continue to innovate and advance the capabilities that ensure our fleet’s success. It is up to us to ensure our Navy’s warfighters have the best tools to counter those threats. The future of our program is incredibly bright.”
PMA-264 develops and sustains airborne anti-submarine warfare systems, including sonobuoys and acoustic algorithms, for the Navy and its allies. The office supports the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program, the H-60 Helicopter program, and the Navy and Marine Corps Multi-mission Tactical Unmanned Air Systems program. Sonobuoys provide critical data for detecting and tracking submarines, enhancing national security.
The change of command ceremony, a Navy tradition, symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility. It reflects the dedication of service members to their mission. Under Hinkle’s leadership, PMA-264 is poised to continue advancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities, ensuring the Navy remains equipped to address global threats.
