Submitted by PMA-299

NAVAIR PATUXENT RIVER MD -- Navy Capt. Paul Grosklags takes command of the multi-mission helicopter program (PMA-299) in a change-of-command ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, July 26 in the Moffett Building Atrium.

After serving as the Program Executive Office Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs [PEO (A)]. Operations Officer for the last year, Grosklags succeeds Capt. William Shannon, who will be the Deputy Program Executive Officer for PEO (A).
Captain Grosklags is a native of DeKalb, Illinois, and received his commission as an Ensign following graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1982. Upon completion of flight training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1983 and immediately reported to VT-3, NAS Whiting Field, as a flight instructor in the T-34B.

In December 1985, Captain Grosklags transferred to HSL-34, NAS Norfolk. While flying the SH-2F, he deployed to the North Atlantic on board USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD-981) and to the Mediterranean on board USS DONALD B BEARY (FF-1085). He also served as the squadron tactics officer during this tour.
Selected for the Naval Post-Graduate School/Test Pilot School Program in November 1988, Captain Grosklags completed a year of academic work at the Post-Graduate School in Monterey, CA, and graduated from the USN Test Pilot School in June 1991, receiving a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. During the succeeding two years he worked as an engineering test pilot, primarily in the SH-2F, SH-2G, and SH-60B aircraft.

From November 1993 through November 1995, Captain Grosklags was attached to HSL-42 in Mayport, FL, flying the SH-60B. As detachment Officer-In-Charge he deployed to the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf on board USS LEYTE GULF (CG-55). Upon return from deployment he served as squadron Maintenance Officer and was selected as HSL-42 Officer of the Year for 1995.

Captain Grosklags reported to the Naval Air Systems Command in December 1995 and served until February 1999 as the Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering in the H-60 program office. Following selection for aviation command, Captain Grosklags reported to HT-18 at NAS Whiting Field, FL as the squadron Executive Officer. From July 2000 through July 2001, Captain Grosklags served as the Commanding Officer.

Returning to the Naval Air Systems Command and PEO (A) in August 2001, Captain Grosklags took over responsibilities as the Test and Evaluation lead for the H-60 program office, and subsequently as the Deputy Program Manager/IPT Lead for the MH-60R development program. Since July of 2003 Captain Grosklags has served as the PEO (A) Operations Officer.

CAPT Grosklags has over 5000 flight hours in numerous types of rotary and fixed wing aircraft. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars.
Captain Grosklags is married to Cathy Calhoun of Camp Wood, Texas.