Commanding Officer l Executive Officer
Command Master Chief
Edwin Grohe
Commanding Officer
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Commander Grohe, a native of Milford, CT, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Commander Grohe completed pilot training at NAS Kingsville, Texas and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1995. He reported to the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, for replacement pilot training. In February 1997, he joined VAQ-137 and served as the Line Division Officer, Personnel Officer, and Landing Signals Officer. As a “Rook,” Commander Grohe deployed with CVW-1 aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and USS JOHN F KENNEDY flying combat missions of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. In April 2000, Commander Grohe returned to VAQ-129 as a Flight Instructor, serving as the Aircraft Division Officer and Pilot NATOPS Evaluator. During his tour, he received the David R. Dillon leadership award. In December 2002, Commander Grohe joined the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN on deployment and served as an Assistant Air Operations Officer throughout the first stages of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In October 2004, Commander Grohe reported to VAQ-135, where he served as Safety Officer and Operations Officer. During his tour, the “Black Ravens” deployed with CVW-11 aboard USS NIMITZ, and to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq flying in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Following an assignment to the Naval War College where he earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies, Commander Grohe reported to U.S. Strategic Command’s Joint Functional Component Command for Network Warfare (JFCC-NW) at Fort George G. Meade, MD. During his time at Fort Meade, Commander Grohe served as the Deputy Chief of Future Operations and the lead for a joint interagency operational planning team. Commander Grohe detached from the newly created U.S. Cyber Command in August 2010, and reported to VAQ-142 in January of 2011. Commander Grohe has accumulated over 2200 flight hours and 530 traps. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal (four strike-flight awards), the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign awards. Commander Grohe is married to the former Michelle D’Amico of West Babylon, NY. They have two boys, Carter and Gavin.