Greg R. Boyle is the Principal Controls Engineer for Oceaneering’s New Product Development group. Before joining Oceaneering in 2007, he served six years in the U.S. Navy and four years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
“The military gave me some of the most advanced training in the world,” Greg said. “I used that training, along with my GI Bill, to get bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. Then I applied my skills to the civilian world.”
Military service runs deep in Greg’s family-seven relatives served in three different military branches over five decades, from World War II to Operation Desert Storm. In 1982, Greg enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent over two years training to be a Nuclear Reactor Operator/Electronic Technician.
“I traveled the world and made lifelong friends. The qualities instilled in me by the military, teamwork, attention to detail, technical excellence, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and responsibility, formed a pedestal for my civilian career.”
For over three years, Greg was stationed on the USS Arkansas (CGN-41), a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser. He operated, maintained, and repaired nuclear reactors. Life on a warship meant living out of a locker only six feet tall and 12 inches wide. Prior to this, he served on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) for four months while in transit to the Arkansas.
One major event during his career was in support of Operation El Dorado Canyon (Libya’s Line of Death) when the Arkansas convoyed behind the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to transit the Suez Canal. Greg also performed operations off the coast of the former Soviet Union and spent many six-month deployments patrolling the Indian Ocean.
In 1984, he learned first-hand the importance of helo egress training. Minutes after he and two others exited a helicopter, it crashed into the Indian Ocean, killing two crew members. He also witnessed a shipmate hit with 600 lb steam.
After an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1988 at the rank of Petty Officer Second Class/E5, Greg missed the camaraderie he experienced as well as the military’s well-built equipment.
In 1989, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, joining the 4th Maintenance Battalion as an Electrical Repair Specialist and Water Safety/Survival Instructor. He operated, maintained, and repaired 30,000-watt electrical generators, wired tent cities, and repaired various electrical/electronic equipment. He was honorably discharged in 1993 at the rank of Sergeant/E5.
“The reserves are a good transition point for veterans because you can have your feet in both military and civilian life,” he explained.
Greg received the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and is a two-time recipient of the Battle Efficiency Ribbon. He is also a VFW member.
His experiences in the military have contributed to his success at Oceaneering.
“I’m big on teamwork, respecting leadership, and creating/maintaining a positive atmosphere. As a leader or a team member, if the team is tired, you must be willing to finish the work yourself,” he said.
Greg enjoys working on new designs with Oceaneering’s subject matter experts.
“Both the military and Oceaneering have diverse, smart people who offer different perspectives and solutions; it’s how we solve the unsolvable,” he explained.
Greg and his wife, Jannell, live in Temecula, California, and have two children and five grandkids.
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