Mordhorst to relieve Lenox at HS-7 Friday

Cmdr. Mordhorst is a 1991 graduate of the University of Idaho where he earned a Bachelor's degree in computer science and was commissioned through the NROTC. He was designated a naval aviator in August 1993.

His initial assignment was to the "Tridents" of HS-3, flying the SH-60F and HH-60H from NAS Jax. He completed deployments on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), serving as training officer and aircrew division officer.

Mordhorst reported to Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center in 1997, where he graduated with the first Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor Class. He also served as the combat search and rescue program manager for air wing training.

In 2000, Mordhorst reported to Commander, Carrier Group 4 in Norfolk, Va. as air operations assistant, evaluating east coast carrier battle groups on combat search and rescue and naval special warfare employment.

He reported to the HS-5 "Nightdippers" at NAS Jax in 2001 for his training and operations department head tour. He completed deployments on USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and USS George Washington (CVN 73), flying in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

In 2005, Mordhorst transferred to the "Pioneers" of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One at NAS Patuxent River, Md., where he served as maintenance officer and senior technical advisor for the MH-60S Block III Operational Evaluation. He reported to HS-7 as executive officer in Sept. 2007.

Cmdr. Kevin Lenox

Cmdr. Kevin Lenox is a 1990 graduate of Duke University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and was commissioned through the NROTC. He was designated a naval aviator in October 1990.

In Dec. 2006, Lenox reported to HS-7 as executive officer. On September 13, 2007 he assumed command of HS-7 in Sept. 2007 and led the squadron on a successful seven-month deployment. During the cruise, HS-7 supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf. The Dusty Dogs were attached to CVW-3 onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), where they accomplished 14 rescues. In May 2008, HS-7 assisted the U.S. embassy in Beirut with immediate air support when violence between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah militants forced the closure of Lebanon's international airport.

Lenox will report to Charleston, S.C., where he will commence nuclear power training.