• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Thunderbolts Change Command Aboard Big E

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060707-11
Release Date: 7/7/2006 11:38:00 AM

By Marine Pfc. Nikki Fleming, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251/USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- While on the outskirts of Iraq, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 "Thunderbolts" held a change of command ceremony aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) at sea, July 3.

The Thunderbolts bid farewell to Marine Lt. Col. Jansen, the outgoing commanding officer of VMFA-251, and welcomed the promotion of Marine Lt. Col. Michael Orr from executive officer to commanding officer of VMFA-251 with a ceremony held in the ship’s hangar bay.

“Marines are not created to leave the team in the middle of a deployment,” said Jansen. “We’ve gone through all the work-ups together and then have to leave half-way through it. It’s hard. I feel blessed that I got to be part of this squadron. There is no question about the fact that I enjoyed the people here the most. They are an inspiration for me day after day.”

In June 2003, Jansen, a native of Janesville, Wisc., reported to Marine Aircraft Group 31 where he served as the executive officer, VMFA-251. During this period, he completed his eighth deployment during the Thunderbolts’ deployment to the Western Pacific in support of the Unit Deployment Program. Jansen then assumed command of VMFA-251 July 30, 2004.

Jansen has more than 2,900 flight hours with 2,600 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet. He is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and is a designated Air Interdiction Mission Commander by Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center. Jansen’s personal awards include an Air Medal with the numeral three, indicating third strike flight award, the Defense Commendation Medal, three Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

“It is very easy to go ‘I’, but when it comes down to it, it has been a ‘we’ effort,” said Jansen. “I just simply did my job, to ensure that the squadron has the ability to lead in mission readiness as well as success in combat. I really feel that we accomplished everything that we set goals for when I took the position of commanding officer. I know that the unit is trained right, I know the unit has come together and is capable of getting the work done.”

Orr, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., reported to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. for duty as executive officer of VMFA-251 in July, 2005. He proudly assumed command while deployed aboard the Enterprise.

“I look forward to tackling the challenges that lie ahead,” said Orr during his speech. “I can only promise you that I will continue to uphold the high standards of this great organization with dignity and fairness, along with a deep respect for all that this squadron does.”

Orr has more than 2,800 flight hours, with 2,100 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet. Orr’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with the numeral three, three Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

When it comes to the deployment, Orr keeps in mind the squadron is only half way through.

“I would like to maintain our good high standards as well as safety,” said Orr. “We will continue to focus on the mission: supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. That’s our driving force, to support our ground troops. We are going to complete our flight training and enhance our maintenance skills.”

For related news, visit the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.