Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Matthew “G.B.” Mravlja
A native of Westford, New York, Cmdr. Matthew Mravlja enlisted in the Navy in 1992. In 1999 he was selected for the Seaman to Admiral Commissioning program and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Florida and was commissioned in August of 2003 through the Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. Remaining in Pensacola for flight training he earned his Naval Aviator Wings in December 2005. In January of 2006, Mravlja reported to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2 “Fleet Angels” for initial fleet training as a MH-60S pilot.
Mravlja’s first operational flying tour began in August 2006 with the HSC-26 “Chargers”. While a “Charger” he made two deployments to Bahrain and numerous work-ups on multiple aviation capable ships. During this tour, Mravlja was selected as the 2009 HSC-26 Officer of the Year.
Mravlja returned to the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2 as an instructor pilot in January of 2010 and immediately deployed in support of Haiti earthquake relief efforts. During this tour, Mravlja earned his Master in Executive Business Management from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Leaving the cockpit for his disassociated sea tour, Mravlja reported to the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) in October of 2012. While assigned to Iwo Jima, he performed the duties of V-1 division officer, handler, and mini-boss, qualified as officer of the deck underway, and was selected for aviation operational department head.
Returning to cockpit for his Department Head tour, Mravlja requalified in the MH-60S and then reported to HSC-25 “Island Knights” on Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. As an “Island Knight” Mravlja deployed as officer in charge to Atsugi, Japan and onboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), leading a three aircraft detachment. Upon return from deployment, he assumed the duties as squadron maintenance officer.
Following his Department Head tour, Mravlja, served as the Joint Staff, J-7 directorate, Joint Exercise Division, U.S. Transportation Command and joint task force desk officer, supporting multiple tier one combatant command exercises. While at the Joint Staff he selected for operational command.
Mravlja has accrued over 2,500 flight hours with over 2,200 hours in the MH-60S. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), and various other unit awards and ribbons.