HSM-51 Change of Command

HELMARSTRIKERON 51 Change of Command

By LT Mark S. Nankervis, USN

CDR M. E. Kawika Chang relieved CDR Timothy E. Rogers as the 25th Commanding Officer of the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 at a change of command ceremony held on Thursday, July 14 in the HSM-51 hangar bay on board Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi in Ayase, Japan.

CDR Rogers was honored for his service and successful tour in leading the “Warlords” by Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, CAPT Brannon S. Bickel, and is transitioning to his new position at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) N7 Strategic Warfighting Innovation Cell. His previous tours include operational tours at HSM-71 and HSM-75, HSM-41 as an Instructor Pilot, Flag Aide to Commander Naval Air Forces, and serving as the HSM Community Placement Officer, Naval Personnel Command.

CDR Chang is a prior “Warlord” and assumes command after serving as executive officer since May 2021. His previous tours include the “Vipers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48, HSL/HSM-51 facilitating the transition from the SH-60B to the MH-60R, operational Department Head tour with HSM-74 “Swamp Foxes," and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington D.C. (J7, Joint Force Development Directorate). He has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in Naval aircraft.

Assuming the duties as Executive Officer is CDR Thomas J. McDonald having most recently completed an assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington D.C. (J7, Joint Force Development Directorate)..