VUP-19 Changes Commanders, Welcomes New Commanding Officer
10 January 2025
MAYPORT, Fla. -- Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 the “Big Red” welcomed its new commanding officer during a time-honored change of command ceremony aboard Naval Station (NS) Mayport, Jan. 10.
Capt. Ronald Rumfelt Jr., originally from Los Angeles, Calif., assumed command in January 2024, leading 540 active-duty and Reserve Sailors across three detachments to operate the MQ-4C Triton. He was succeeded by Cmdr. Daniel Arsenault who previously served as VUP-19’s executive officer. VUP-19 was established on October 1, 2013, and was later commissioned on October 28, 2016, and is the U.S. Navy’s first unmanned maritime patrol squadron.
Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) Eleven, Capt. Carl White presided over VUP-19’s change of command ceremony. He highlighted the strategic impact of the command’s ability to stand-up three operational orbits in one year for three operational theaters.
“A squadron is only as strong as its members, and the unwavering determination of every Sailor in VUP19 has allowed you to navigate operational commitments culminating in the full standup of the three orbits across the world,” White said. “Together, you have transformed challenges into opportunities. Make no mistake you are answering our nation's call.”
The MQ-4C Triton provides a persistent maritime ISR capability using multiple sensors. Along with P-8A Poseidon manned aircraft and TacMobile ground support system, the MQ-4C Triton is integral to the Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) Family of Systems (FoS).
Under Rumfelt’s leadership, the squadron successfully expanded its mission coverage from one orbit in U.S. 7th Fleet to three in less than 12 months, achieving the MQ-4C Triton’s Initial Operating Capability in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. VUP-19 currently operates 10 MQ-4Cs from NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport.
“I would like to thank the team for our incredible accomplishments over the last year. From surpassing our goals to improving our quality of service, we have pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible,” Rumfelt said. “We have not only grown as individuals but, more importantly, we have flourished as a collective force.”
Rumfelt originally enlisted in the Navy in November 1995 and was one of 50 Sailors selected for the Seamen-to-Admiral Commissioning Program in 1999. His operational at-sea tours included Patrol Squadron (VP) 40, USS John C. Stennis, VP-10, served as executive officer and 70th commanding officer of VP-5. His shore assignments included assignments to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, VP-30, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 in Sigonella, Italy, and Navy Personnel Command (PERS-43) in Millington, Tennessee.
Focusing on increasing productivity while enhancing Quality of Life/Quality of Service for his Sailors to complete 6,331 maintenance actions, enabling the safe execution of 2,250 flight hours and 177 sorties.
Arsenault, a native from Milford, Mass., graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maine in 2008, and was awarded a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida in 2016.
His previous operational Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance (MPR) tours include VP-45, VP-30, and VUP-19, and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Prior to serving as VUP-19’s executive officer, he served as deputy executive assistant for Director, Air Warfare (N98).
After Arsenault assumed command, he discussed his previous time serving as a department head when assigned to VUP-19 in 2019 and the transformation of the squadron since that time period.
“What we achieve is not because of one person, but of the overall team’s effort,” said Arsenault, who recognized the families for their support, and thanked the command for their dedication, trust and teamwork. “It is the greatest honor of my career to serve beside you.”
CPRG/CPRG-PAC provides oversight to more than 7,000 men and women on both coasts operating the U.S. Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft.
The Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Force is administratively organized into two CONUS Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings at NAS Jacksonville and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and includes 14 Patrol and Reconnaissance squadrons, one Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and over 45 subordinate commands. The forward-deployed MPRF consists of three Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings in Manama, Bahrain (CTF-57); Sigonella, Sicily (CTF-67) and Atsugi, Japan (CTF-72). The MPRF is the Navy’s premiere provider for airborne anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.