Carl B. Jensen
Encyclopedia
Major General
Carl B. Jensen is a United States Marine Corps
general officer who commands Marine Corps Installations East
.
with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Journalism
, and also holds a Master of Science
degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College
. Major General Jensen was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1975 through the Platoon Leaders Course.
After completing The Basic School, Jensen entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator
in August, 1977. Afterwards, he reported to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
, where he was assigned to HML-167, Marine Aircraft Group 29
, and served in a variety of billets including Ground Safety Officer, Intelligence
Officer, and Adjutant. Subsequently, Jensen was assigned to HMH-461
as the Intelligence Officer for an amphibious deployment to Norway
, and upon return received orders to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines in Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Air Liaison Officer and H&S Company Commander.
Returning from overseas, he attended Amphibious Warfare
School from 1981 to 1982, and was then reassigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing where he served in HMLA-167
, HMM-365
, HMM-261
, and MAG-26 Headquarters. During this tour, he graduated from the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 Weapons & Tactics Instructor course and held numerous billets including Flight Line Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Group Weapons & Tactics Officer.
From 1987 through 1990, Jensen attended the Armed Forces Staff College, and was subsequently assigned to the Department of Aviation in the Aviation Plans, Programs, and Budget Branch, Headquarters Marine Corps
(HQMC). During 1990 and 1991, he deployed with MAG-50 as the Weapons & Tactics Officer in support of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm
. Following the conflict, Jensen served alternately as the Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of HMLA-367
, and also as the aviation combat element
Commander of Special Purpose MAGTF
(Philippines) during the U.S. withdrawal from NAS Subic Bay
.
After squadron command, Jensen became the Executive Officer of MAG-39, and subsequently attended the National War College
from 1995 to 1996. Following school, he was assigned to The Joint Staff Pentagon
, as the Strategic Plans Branch Chief in the J-5 Strategy Division. During 1998, Jensen then received orders to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Headquarters, and subsequently commanded MAG-39 from 1999 to 2001.
Following his MAG-39 command tour, Major General Jensen returned to the Pentagon for assignment as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition), Expeditionary Forces Programs. Jensen was then assigned as the Deputy Director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, in the National Military Command Center. In 2004, Jensen assumed concurrent responsibilities as the Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area, and also the Commanding General, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
, San Diego, California
.
In June 2005, Jensen assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group Three
and deployed in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, he twice served as Commander Task Force 158, commanding all Coalition Naval and Marine forces operating in the North Persian Gulf
and Iraq
i territorial waters. Further, he served as Commander Task Force 59, leading the Joint non-combatant evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon in the summer of 2006.
In January 2006, Jensen was nominated for promotion from Brigadier General to the rank of Major General.
In July 2007, Major General Jensen became Deputy Commander, U. S. Marine Corps Forces Command, and in 2008, took his current position.
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
Carl B. Jensen is a United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
general officer who commands Marine Corps Installations East
Marine Corps Installations East
Marine Corps Installations East is the regional authority tasked with providing support and oversight of seven United States Marine Corps installations on the East Coast. The purpose behind MCIEAST is to ensure warfighters receive a level of support that exceeds expectations while at the same...
.
Biography
Carl B. Jensen graduated from Northern Illinois UniversityNorthern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is a state university and research institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. It was originally founded as Northern Illinois State Normal School on May 22, 1895 by Illinois Governor John P...
with a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree in Journalism
Journalism
Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
, and also holds a Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
. Major General Jensen was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1975 through the Platoon Leaders Course.
After completing The Basic School, Jensen entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator
Naval Aviator
A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
in August, 1977. Afterwards, he reported to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is the major east coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina...
, where he was assigned to HML-167, Marine Aircraft Group 29
Marine Aircraft Group 29
Marine Aircraft Group 29 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station New River that is currently composed of four CH-53E Super Stallion squadrons including the Fleet Replacement Squadron, three Light Attack Squadron flying AH-1W SuperCobras and UH-1N Twin Hueys,...
, and served in a variety of billets including Ground Safety Officer, Intelligence
Military intelligence
Military intelligence is a military discipline that exploits a number of information collection and analysis approaches to provide guidance and direction to commanders in support of their decisions....
Officer, and Adjutant. Subsequently, Jensen was assigned to HMH-461
HMH-461
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters...
as the Intelligence Officer for an amphibious deployment to Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, and upon return received orders to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines in Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Air Liaison Officer and H&S Company Commander.
Returning from overseas, he attended Amphibious Warfare
Amphibious warfare
Amphibious warfare is the use of naval firepower, logistics and strategy to project military power ashore. In previous eras it stood as the primary method of delivering troops to non-contiguous enemy-held terrain...
School from 1981 to 1982, and was then reassigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing where he served in HMLA-167
HMLA-167
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and UH-1N Huey utility helicopters...
, HMM-365
HMM-365
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Blue Knights", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 ...
, HMM-261
HMM-261
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Raging Bulls", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and typically falls under the command of Marine Aircraft...
, and MAG-26 Headquarters. During this tour, he graduated from the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 Weapons & Tactics Instructor course and held numerous billets including Flight Line Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Group Weapons & Tactics Officer.
From 1987 through 1990, Jensen attended the Armed Forces Staff College, and was subsequently assigned to the Department of Aviation in the Aviation Plans, Programs, and Budget Branch, Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
(HQMC). During 1990 and 1991, he deployed with MAG-50 as the Weapons & Tactics Officer in support of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. Following the conflict, Jensen served alternately as the Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of HMLA-367
HMLA-367
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters...
, and also as the aviation combat element
Aviation combat element
In the United States Marine Corps, the aviation combat element or air combat element is the air arm of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force . It provides rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and fixed-wing aircraft, support equipment, pilots, maintenance personnel, as well as command and control assets to the...
Commander of Special Purpose MAGTF
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a term used by the United States Marine Corps to describe the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air-ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that...
(Philippines) during the U.S. withdrawal from NAS Subic Bay
U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay
U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay was a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Zambales, Philippines. It was the largest U.S...
.
After squadron command, Jensen became the Executive Officer of MAG-39, and subsequently attended the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
from 1995 to 1996. Following school, he was assigned to The Joint Staff Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
, as the Strategic Plans Branch Chief in the J-5 Strategy Division. During 1998, Jensen then received orders to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 3d Marine Aircraft Wing is the major west coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and provides the aviation combat element for I Marine Expeditionary Force...
Headquarters, and subsequently commanded MAG-39 from 1999 to 2001.
Following his MAG-39 command tour, Major General Jensen returned to the Pentagon for assignment as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition), Expeditionary Forces Programs. Jensen was then assigned as the Deputy Director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, in the National Military Command Center. In 2004, Jensen assumed concurrent responsibilities as the Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area, and also the Commanding General, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar , formerly Naval Air Station Miramar is a United States Marine Corps installation that is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation element of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force...
, San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
.
In June 2005, Jensen assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group Three
Expeditionary Strike Group Three
The Expeditionary Strike Group Three, which has its roots in the Amphibious Group Three , is an expeditionary strike group — an amphibious ready group which combines the capabilities of surface action groups, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft with those of Amphibious Ready Groups...
and deployed in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, he twice served as Commander Task Force 158, commanding all Coalition Naval and Marine forces operating in the North Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
and Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
i territorial waters. Further, he served as Commander Task Force 59, leading the Joint non-combatant evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon in the summer of 2006.
In January 2006, Jensen was nominated for promotion from Brigadier General to the rank of Major General.
In July 2007, Major General Jensen became Deputy Commander, U. S. Marine Corps Forces Command, and in 2008, took his current position.
Decorations
Jensen's personal decorations include: |
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| Naval Aviator Badge United States Aviator Badge A United States Aviator Badge refers to three types of aviation badges issued by the United States military, those being for Army, Air Force, and Naval aviation.... |
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| Defense Superior Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."... w/ 1 oak leaf cluster Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... |
Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (United States) The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969... |
Air Medal Air Medal The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:... w/ Strike/Flight numeral "1" Strike/Flight numerals Strike/Flight numerals are decorations of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps which are displayed on the Air Medal to denote the total number of Strike/Flight awards. Strike/Flight numerals are Arabic numerals five-sixteenths of an inch in height.... |
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge The Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge is a U.S. Military badge presented to the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff upon appointment to position as either a Service Head, Vice Chairman, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The decoration is also authorized to staff and... |
| Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... w/ 2 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s |
Joint Meritorious Unit Award Joint Meritorious Unit Award The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is a military award that was established on June 4, 1981 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and was implemented by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982... w/ 1 oak leaf cluster |
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... w/ 2 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... |
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| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 1 service star |
Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... w/ 2 service stars |
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003... |
Korea Defense Service Medal Korea Defense Service Medal The Korea Defense Service Medal is a United States military award that was first created in 2002 when it was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The bill to create the proposal was introduced and championed by Rep. Elton Gallegly and Sen. Ben "Night Horse" Campbell... |
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| Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Sea Service Ribbon A Sea Service Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and the United States Army which recognizes those service members who have performed military duty while stationed on a vessel at sea.... w/ 5 service stars |
Arctic Service Ribbon Arctic Service Ribbon The Navy Arctic Service Ribbon is a decoration of the United States Navy which was established in May 1986. The ribbon is authorized to any member of the U.S. Navy or United States Marine Corps for service above the Arctic Circle. Like the Antarctica Service Medal, it may also be awarded to... |
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) The Naut Tahrir al-Kuwait was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.- Background :... |
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) The Wisam Al-Tahrir was issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.-Description:The Kuwait Liberation Medal was approved by the Kuwait Council of Ministers for award in five classes, generally according to the rank of the recipient... |
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