NAS Lemoore Cmdr. Mark Tedrow takes command of NAS Lemoore squadron

Tedrow, a native of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, relieved Commander Hansen of Weymouth, Massachusetts, as the Skipper of the “Fist of the Fleet.” 

Commander Hansen assumed command of VFA-25 in May 2020 and led the elite squadron during back-to-back maintenance phases. Hansen was the first Skipper in the US Navy to lead a squadron through the transition into new Block III Super Hornets.  

Hansen also led the squadron through multiple detachments to NAS Key West, MCAS Miramar, Eielson Air Force Base for Red Flag-Alaska, and a carrier qualification training period on board USS Carl Vinson. Hansen has also accumulated over 2,400 flight hours and 480 arrested landings during her career. She heads to the Pentagon for her next assignment.

Tedrow assumes command at a crucial point as the squadron prepares to begin work-ups for its upcoming deployment.

Tedrow was commissioned in May 2004 upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy. He earned his Naval Aviator “Wings of Gold” in August 2006 and reported to the Fleet Replacement Squadron on MCAS Miramar for training in the FA-18C Hornet.

Upon completing his training, Tedrow reported to the VFA-25 “The Fist of the Fleet.”  While a Fistie, he made two operational combat deployments aboard the USS Ronald Reagan and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tedrow then reported to the VFA-122 “Flying Eagles” in November of 2010 as an Instructor Pilot in the F/A-18A-F Hornet and Super Hornet models. In July 2011, he was selected as a member of the 2012 Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS), “Blue Angels.” 

In  2015, the talented aviator returned to the fleet as a department head in VFA-22, the “Fighting Redcocks.”  With the Redcocks, he completed one operational combat deployment aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, serving as the administration officer, safety officer, and maintenance officer. 

Tedrow served as an action officer at US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. While at AFRICOM, he directly supported joint operations on the African continent as the Joint Operations Command (JOC) Operations Officer.  

Tedrow has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours, and 356 carrier arrested landings. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal service awards and ribbons.