Capt. Gregory Hinkle is a native of McLean, VA, and a 2003 graduate of Villanova University with a B.A. in Sociology. He was commissioned into the United States Navy through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Upon commissioning, he began flight training and earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer in 2005 at Randolph AFB, Texas.

After completing Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training, Capt. Hinkle joined the "Golden Eagles" of Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9) at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. During his time with VP-9, he completed two deployments and an operational surge to the FIFTH Fleet Area of Operations in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.

In March 2009, Capt. Hinkle reported to the Pioneers of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) at NAS Patuxent River, MD. There, he qualified as a Maritime Weapons and Tactics Instructor and served as the Fixed Wing Tactics Officer and Assistant Operational Test Director for the first P-8A aircraft.

In 2012, Capt. Hinkle transferred to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School and P-8A Fleet Introduction Team at NAS Jacksonville, FL where he served as the lead for P-8A tactics and post-FRS training development and qualified as an FRS instructor.

In May 2014, Capt. Hinkle reported to the Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) for his department head tour. He served as the Tactics, Training, and Operations Officer, leading the squadron through their transition to the P-8A a challenging FRTP, and VP-8’s maiden deployment to SEVENTH Fleet with the P-8A.

Following his department head tour, Capt. Hinkle returned to NAS Patuxent River, where he served as the Integrated Product Team Lead for the P-8 Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) program as part of PMA-290.

From 2018 to 2019, Capt. Hinkle served as the Executive Assistant to COMSEVENTHFLT aboard USS BLUE RIDGE in Yokosuka, Japan. He then served as Executive and Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, from May 2020 to May 2022.

After his command tour, Capt. Hinkle once again returned to NAS Patuxent River where he served as the P-8A Military Class Desk Officer and then Level 1 Integrated Product Team Lead within PMA-290 where he was responsible for the acquisition, development, and sustainment of all U.S. Navy P-8A aircraft.

In May 2024, Capt. Hinkle assumed duties as major program manager for the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office (PMA-264). ​

Capt. Hinkle has over 2,700 flight hours in P-3C and P-8A aircraft and his personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3), Air Medal (Strike/Flight) (7), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He holds a Master’s Degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, Joint Professional Military Education Phase I from the Naval War College, and numerous Acquisition qualifications in both Program Management and Test & Evaluation.