Albus Assumes Command of VP-10 ‘Red Lancers’
On May 18, Cmdr. Michael Albus relieved Cmdr. Alan Miller as Commanding Officer (CO) of the Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 “Red Lancers” in Hangar 511 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, becoming the 81st CO of the squadron.
Miller’s accomplished CO tour from April 2016 to May 2017 concluded with the Red Lancers’ return from a successful first P-8A deployment. During the six months in the 7thFleet Area of Responsibility, the Red Lancers flew over 3,400 flight hours and conducted over 250 real-world operational missions.
“I could not be more proud of the Red Lancers for everything that we have accomplished in this last year,” said Miller. “I am sad to turn over the reins, but I know that Cmdr. Albus has the innate leadership ability and extensive knowledge that will take VP-10 to an unprecedented level.”
Miller will be leaving VP-10 to pursue a joint position at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.
Albus assumed command of the squadron during the ceremony on 18 May after having served as the executive officer since April 2016.
Albus, a native of Newtown, Pennsylvania, graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree. He finished flight training in Corpus Christi, Texas where he earned his Naval Aviator Wings.
After completing initial training in the P-3C at VP-30, Albus reported to the “Grey Knights” of VP-46, where he completed two deployments to 5th and 7th Fleet. During his first operational tour with the Grey Knights, he served as the Airframes Branch Officer, Aircrew Training Officer, and Pilot NATOPS Officer while earning designations as Instructor Pilot, Mission Commander and Weapons and Tactics Instructor.
Once complete with his tour at VP-46, Albus returned to VP-30 as an Instructor Pilot (IP). While there, he held positions as an Instructor Under-Training Course Instructor (IUT-I) and the Crew Resource Management Program Manager.
Following his IP tour, Albus served as the first fully qualified Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer on board the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).
Albus once again reported to VP-46 as a department head, where he served as the Safety NATOPS Officer, Training Officer, and Operations Officer. He deployed to 5th Fleet with the Grey Knights.
Albus then reported to United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) as the Joint Exercise and Readiness Officer, program manager for Noncombatant Evacuation Operations, and core planner for the Deployable Joint Task Force Augmentation Cell.
“VP-10 will definitely miss the charismatic and influential leadership of Skipper Miller,” said Albus. “However, I am excited for the incredible opportunity to lead the finest Patrol Squadron in the Navy and hope to continue the legacy Skipper Miller left.”
Cmdr. Chad Donnelly, a native of East Northport, N.Y., has assumed the duties of VP-10’s Executive Officer. Donnelly was previously assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington D.C., where he served as the Deputy Branch Chief for Electronic Warfare and the Executive Assistant for the Deputy Director for Global Operations.