NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office (PMA-264) Capt. Gregory Hinkle relieved Capt. Dennis Lloyd in a change of command ceremony on May 30 among family, friends, and co-workers.
The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. David Walsh, program executive officer, Air, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO (A)).
Guest speaker Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, Director, Navy International Programs Office, Office of the Secretary of the Navy stated the importance of PMA-264 as the developer and producer of the acoustic sensors and software that give platforms like MH-60 and P-8A the anti-submarine capabilities they need. Hitting home how necessary this program is, RADM Rossi said “without PMA-264 sonobuoys and advanced processing they would be ineffective much like a gun without bullets”.
The sonobuoys from PMA-264 are essential to the fleet and the information they provide helps keep our great nation safe and secure. Capt. Lloyd has been involved with this work for most of his career leaving an impact wherever he has been.
“In every job he does; he digs in, he dominates, increases his knowledge,” said Rossi. “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. Lloyd led PMA-264 from June 2022 to June 2025. He was responsible for the development, production, fielding and sustainment of acoustic algorithms, software, hardware, and sonobuoys for U.S. Navy and its Allies. In an impressive feat, Capt. Lloyd oversaw manufacturing and delivery of over 569,000 sonobuoys during his tenure.
“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,” said Lloyd.
Capt. Lloyd was responsible for fleet mission planning and analysis support of 1,100 operational sorties, 8000 flight hours, with over 500 hours of contact against foreign submarines; transitioned the P-8A Multistatic Active Coherent – Enhancements program into Operational Test and Evaluation and initiated the Undersea Advantage next-generation sonobuoy. In addition, during his tenure, he oversaw the significant transition of the United States domestic sonobuoy manufacturing industrial base from a sole-source joint venture into multiple independent competitive production lines while maintaining continuity of supply to U.S. Navy operational forces.
Capt. Lloyd retires after 28 years of honorable and dedicated service.
Lloyd said, “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.”
Capt. Hinkle was commissioned and earned his Wings of Gold in 2005. His background with P-3C and P-8A aircraft for the majority of his career affords him the deep knowledge of the importance that sonobuoy production and delivery are to the fleet. Prior to accepting the program manager position with PMA-264, Capt. Hinkle served as P-8A Military Class Desk Officer and Level 1 Integrated Product Team Lead at 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,” said Hinkle. “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.”
The change of command ceremony is one rooted in tradition and rich in custom. This simple ceremony of passing authority and responsibility to another officer reflects the dedication of free men and women serving their nation proudly.
PMA-264 plays a critical role in developing, acquiring and sustaining airborne ASW systems and sensor requirements for the Fleet, the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program office, the H-60 Helicopter program office, and the Navy and Marine Corps Multi-mission Tactical Unmanned Air Systems program office.