The Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 Rangers held a change of command ceremony April 4 as Cmdr. Joe Hart assumed command from Cmdr. Mike Burns.

Capt. Richard Heimerle, Special Advisor to the Vice President for National Security Affairs, was guest speaker.

During Burns’ tour, VQ-2 has successfully fielded the first operational deployment of the new EP-3 Joint Common Configuration Spiral One Aircraft and through Burns’ leadership, VQ-2 was able to employ new technologies in the war on terrorism which rapidly adapted the EP-3 collection capability to the current dynamic warfare environment.

Burns’ next duty assignment will take him and his family to Washington D.C. where he will serve in the Chief of Naval Operation’s Office as the EP-3E requirements officer. 

Hart, a native of Iowa City, Iowa first reported to VQ-2 in April 2001 for his department head tour where he served as maintenance officer.

In December 2004, Hart reported to Commander 7th Fleet on USS Blue Ridge in Yokosuka, Japan where he served as the North East Asia Policy and Engagement officer.

Hart reported in May 2006 as executive officer of VQ-2.