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VQ-7 welcomes new commanding officer

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  • By Petty Officer 1st Class Charles L. Ludwig
  • Strategic Communications Wing ONE
Tinker Air Force Base --  Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN welcomed a new commanding officer June 12 when Cmdr. Dennis Warren relieved Cmdr. Darren Olson during a change of command ceremony in the VQ-3 hangar bay.
   Cmdr. Warren served as the executive officer at VQ-4 for the past year. He became the 12th commanding officer of the Roughnecks squadron, a training squadron under Strategic Communications Wing ONE.
   In his comments after taking charge, Warren said he appreciated the opportunity he has been given and thanked Cmdr. Olson for providing a model example of a commanding officer during his time in command.
   "It's a privilege to stand here today and take command of the Roughneck squadron," Cmdr. Warren said in his comments. "I am blessed to be able to take charge of such a quality squadron and to have had a great commanding officer serving as my lead over the past year."
   Rear Adm. Donald P. Quinn served as guest speaker for the ceremony. In his role as the overall Chief of Naval Air Training, Adm. Quinn is responsible for the very mission of the Roughnecks squadron, which provides Take Charge and Move Out community Sailors with the operational training they use when flying missions around the world.
   Cmdr. Quinn complimented Cmdr. Olson on his time as VQ-7 commanding officer.
   "I have always believed that the hallmark of great leadership is the level of success achieved by a leader's subordinates," he said. "After seeing VQ-7, I can say that Cmdr. Olson enabled his Sailors to do their best in everything they do."
   Before Cmdr. Olson and Warren performed and reported their official passing of command to Strategic Communications Wing ONE Wing Commander Capt. Dan Seesholtz, Cmdr. Olson spoke with his Sailors about the impact they have had on his career.
   "Standing here in front of you for the 370th straight day as commanding officer makes me very proud, Cmdr. Olson said. "To me, you have been an amazing family for the past year. This assignment exceeded all expectations."
   During Cmdr. Olson's tour as commanding officer, VQ-7 reached several milestone, including passing the 1,200-day mark without a driving-while-intoxicated incident. The Roughnecks are also working on a 2,000-plus day streak without a illegal drug-related incident. Both marks are well above the Navy average.
   Warren also discussed the year ahead with his Sailors.
   "It will once again be a privilege to lead you throughout the coming year," Cmdr. Warren said. "We will continue to perform our mission - to train the fleet to be technically efficient - and continue to meet the marks of excellence we have set before us. Let's play hard and work smart."
   Cmdr. Olson will now report to the Naval War College in Newport, R.I..