CAPT Kropp hails from Freeport, Pennsylvania and was commissioned an Ensign in May of 1989 through the NROTC program at Norwich University Military College of Vermont where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. He was designated an Unrestricted Naval Aviator in May of 1991.
Following H-46 Fleet Replacement Pilot Training, Lieutenant Junior Grade Kropp reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron EIGHT (HC-8) in Norfolk, Virginia and was promoted to Lieutenant. During his tour he served as Personnel Officer, Detachment Division Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. He made deployments aboard USS MILWAUKE (AOR-2), USS SEATTLE (AOE-3) in 1993 and the USS DETROIT(AOE-4) in support of Operations SHARP GUARD and DENY FLIGHT in 1994.
In January of 1996, Lieutenant Kropp reported to Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT for duty as an Instructor Pilot. In addition to his flight instructing duties, he served as Public Affairs Officer, NATOPS Officer, Wing TH-57 Standardization Officer, and Wing Assistant Operations
Officer. During this tour, Lieutenant Kropp earned a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University. Lieutenant Kropp reported to the USS WASP (LHD-1) in August of 1998 for his disassociated Sea Tour. There he served as Aircraft Handling Officer and Assistant Air Officer and made one deployment in support of Exercises DYNAMIC RESPONSE, DYNAMIC MIX and NOBLE SHIRLEY.
In January of 2001 Lieutenant Commander Kropp reported to the Chargers of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SIX (HC-6) where he served as the Squadron Tactics Department Head prior to his deployment as the Officer in Charge of Detachment ONE assigned TO USS BATAAN (LHD-5) in support of Operations NOBLE EAGLE and ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon return from deployment, he served as the squadron Maintenance Officer where his performance was recognized by his selection as the Naval Helicopter Association Maintenance Officer of the Year. In November of 2002, Lieutenant Commander Kropp served as the Officer in Charge of Detachment SIX aboard the USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20) in support of a short notice deployment for the establishment of the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti.
Lieutenant Commander Kropp reported to Commander Naval Air Forces U.S. Atlantic Fleet at Norfolk, Virginia in June of 2003 and served as the Assistant Air Operations Officer. During this tour he was promoted to the rank of Commander and selected to command Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT. Commander Kropp assumed command of Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT on 15 March 2007.
Commander Kropp reported to the USS KEARSARGE (LHD-3) in July 2008 as the Air Officer and made one deployment in support of Mission Continuing Promise. He served as the ship's DPMA coordinator during a 10 month Docking Phased Maintenance Availability and lead the Air Department through the ship's Aviation Certification and Aviation Readiness Evaluation.
Captain Kropp was promoted to his current rank on 3 August, 2010 and is a 2011 graduate of the National War College. He has accumulated more than 4000 hours flying both the H-46 Sea Knight and the TH-57 Sea Ranger. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy Commendation Medal with four gold stars, Navy Achievement Medal with two gold stars and various unit and theater awards and citations.