Capt. Gregory T. Petrovic, a native of New Bern, North Carolina, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May of 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in economics. After commissioning, he was designated a naval aviator in 1998. He earned a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Petrovic’s operational tours include command of the “Mad Foxes” Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 where he led their inaugural P-8 Poseidon aircraft deployment to Okinawa, Japan. He served as the Maintenance Officer of Patrol and Reconnaissance (VP) 45 in Jacksonville Florida. He also served as a Launch and Recovery Officer aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) based in Norfolk, Virginia. Immediately following 9/11, his combat aircrew was selected to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His shore assignments include instructor pilot duty with the “Pro’s Nest” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 30, executive assistant in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, division chief at the Undersea Warfare Development Center in San Diego, California, and executive officer of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Petrovic became the 41st commanding officer of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory on June 25, 2021. He is responsible for overall laboratory management, legal and regulatory compliance, coordinating with other military activities, and supervising the technical work and support services. His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards, one with valor), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other campaign medals and unit awards.