CSM (MDV)(retired) Karl j. Groninger

We are sad to share the news of Karl Groninger passing the morning of June 25th, 2026. He was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully in his sleep. Details on arrangements will be posted once we have definitive plans in place.

The loss of a diving legend, a mentor and friend to so many divers and non-divers alike has been immensely difficult to comprehend. The night divers learned of his passing the various feeds were filled with pictures stories and more than a few shots were posted as well. 

Friends who had not talked in over a decade called each other to make sure they heard the news.  

That is something Karl would be proud of.

The posts on Facebook are to numerous to pull up here.  He affected the lives of multiple generations of Army Divers.  We are all grateful for his mentorship and friendship.

We will post more on his memorial once the family has worked through the details.

USACE CSM  Karl J. Groninger, May 2012 – May 2015

CSM Karl J. Groninger, a native of New Jersey, enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1982 and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Prior to becoming Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2012, he served as Command Sergeant Major of the 92d Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia.; of the U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; of the Joint Task Force-Bravo, Soto Cano, Honduras; and of the 579th Engineer Detachment, Forward Engineer Support Team-Main, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Previous assignments included Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Eustis, Virginia; Fort Kobe, Panama; Headquarters, Aviation and Troop Command, St. Louis; and Fort Shafter, Hawaii. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College.

John Griswold wrote this story in 2020 about Karl and it show just what type of person he was!