Gregory Cunningham
Saint Augustine,FL
Summary
A highly dependable and trusted Aerospace & Defense professional with 25 years of decorated U.S. Navy service, culminating in senior leadership roles. Recognized for unwavering reliability in high-stakes operational environments, consistently selected for roles requiring absolute ownership of mission-critical systems, training programs, and personnel readiness. A proven Subject Matter Expert (SME) who can be counted on to perform complex maintenance, technical support, and training at customer sites with minimal supervision. Possesses an active TS/SCI security clearance, a testament to a career built on integrity and trustworthiness.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Command Master Chief / Training Lead
Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School
11.2023 - Current
- Chosen as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), entrusted with the daily operational training and ultimate qualification of 105 Aircrewmen, consistently ensuring mission preparedness.
- Relied upon to identify and document critical software discrepancies and system upgrades for PMA-264, demonstrating a commitment to continuous product improvement and long-term reliability.
Operations Lead
OPNAV Sea Duty Component Dallas
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Depended upon to lead the complex planning and movement of 245 personnel across 18 OCONUS detachments for the operational testing of mission-critical P-8A aircraft and software.
- Ensured the on-time delivery of 6 Advanced Airborne Sensor-equipped aircraft to forward-deploying squadrons through meticulous oversight of 326 sorties and 2,285 flight hours.
Training Department Senior Chief / Senior Enlisted Aircrewman
Patrol Squadron Two-Six (VP-26)
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Held ultimate responsibility for all squadron training and operational management, ensuring 105 Aircrewmen were consistently ready for deployment to the 4th and 7th Fleet AORs.
- In his capacity as the Senior Enlisted Aircrewman, served as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all tactical systems, and was depended upon to represent the squadron at the Software Operation Advisory Group.
- Provided critical end-user feedback and technical expertise, identifying 52 software discrepancies and required upgrades directly to program management office PMA-264 for product modification and improvement.
Operations Department Chief / Senior Enlisted Aircrewman
Patrol Squadron Four-Five (VP-45)
04.2014 - 11.2019
- Entrusted to manage a $6.7M OPTAR budget, flawlessly executing 26 detachments and consistently achieving 100% squadron readiness.
- Proven to be a reliable training leader, guiding 52 Naval Aircrewmen through readiness cycles and deployments, resulting 100% combat aircrew readiness and numerous advanced individual qualifications.
Assistant Program Manager
Naval Air Warfare Command Training Systems Division
12.2016 - 04.2019
- Tasked with the upkeep of four P-3 Air Crew Tactical Team Trainers, providing dependable technical support critical for the proficiency of forward-deployed squadrons.
- Showcased fiscal responsibility and integrity by assisting in the management of a $5.5M budget for resource allocation and technology development for the Coast Guard C-130 Minotaur Sensor Operator training devices.
- Coordinated project timelines and deliverables across multiple teams to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Fleet Instructor / Weapons School Leading Petty Officer
Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30)
04.2010 - 04.2014
- Served as a cornerstone of the Fleet Replacement Squadron, providing dependable classroom, simulator, and in-flight technical instruction to hundreds of students annually.
- As a senior instructor, led multiple advanced training courses that resulted in the qualification of over 48 new Weapons Tactics Instructors (WTIs) and 112 Level 400 Fleet Instructors, directly creating the next generation of expert trainers.
- Acted as a trusted liaison between the fleet, NAVAIR, and program offices (PMA-290, PMA-205, PMA-264) to develop and implement fleet-wide training for new hardware and software.
- Coordinated curriculum updates to align with evolving operational requirements and safety standards.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback mechanisms, continuously enhancing course content and delivery methods.
Education
Senior Enlisted Academy Graduate -
Naval Education And Training Center
Newport, RI02.2019
High School Diploma -
Nothglenn High School
Northglenn, CO05.1999
Skills
- Mission-Critical Reliability: Counted on to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair complex integrated systems, ensuring 100% operational readiness for forward-deployed assets
- Trusted Leadership & Mentorship: Entrusted with the training, qualification, and mentorship of hundreds of personnel, consistently delivering top-tier results and pass rates (98-100%) on readiness evaluations
- Dependable Technical Support: Served as the go-to expert for identifying and resolving software and hardware discrepancies, working directly with program management offices to ensure long-term system viability
- Systems & Software Expertise: In-depth operational knowledge of advanced sensor systems, tactical software, and mission systems
- Customer-Focused Training: Proven ability to build effective relationships and deliver on-site training, from in-flight instruction to developing entire fleet-wide training programs
- Fiscal & Operational Integrity: Successfully managed multi-million dollar budgets and the complex logistics for OCONUS deployments, ensuring on-time delivery of personnel, equipment, and objectives
Certification
- Master Training Specialist
- P-8A Poseidon Weapons and Tactics Instructor
- Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Level-1
Timeline
Command Master Chief / Training Lead
Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School
11.2023 - Current
Operations Lead
OPNAV Sea Duty Component Dallas
06.2022 - 11.2023
Training Department Senior Chief / Senior Enlisted Aircrewman
Patrol Squadron Two-Six (VP-26)
07.2019 - 06.2022
Assistant Program Manager
Naval Air Warfare Command Training Systems Division
12.2016 - 04.2019
Operations Department Chief / Senior Enlisted Aircrewman
Patrol Squadron Four-Five (VP-45)
04.2014 - 11.2019
Fleet Instructor / Weapons School Leading Petty Officer
Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30)
04.2010 - 04.2014
Senior Enlisted Academy Graduate -
Naval Education And Training Center
High School Diploma -
Nothglenn High School