A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, BGen Hedelund received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 1983. He was designated an unrestricted Naval Aviator in May 1985.
As a CH46E pilot, BGen Hedelund has deployed overseas with HMM-264 (1985-1988), HMM-365 (1991-1994) and HMM-162 (2001-2003). He was a Basic and Advanced Helicopter Flight Instructor at Helicopter Training Squadron 18 at NAS Whiting Field from 1989-1991. BGen Hedelund served as a CH46E Instructor and Assault Support Department Head at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in Yuma, AZ (1995-1998).
Command assignments include Commanding Officer, Headquarters Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group 29, MCAS New River in 2000. In 2001, he assumed command of HMM-162. The Golden Eagles deployed with Marine Aircraft Group 29 in support of major offensive combat operations during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from January to May 2003. BGen Hedelund also served as the Commanding Officer, MAWTS-1 from July 2006 to June 2008. From August 2009 to February 2011 BGen Hedelund was Commanding General, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory; serving concurrently as the Vice Chief of Naval Research at the Office of Naval Research (ONR).
MajGen Hedelund is a distinguished graduate of The Basic School and Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He attended the Air War College, Montgomery, AL during the 2004 academic year and has also attended the Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA.
Staff assignments include selection as a member of the Marine Corps Strategic Studies Group serving the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (1999). BGen Hedelund has also served at US Joint Forces Command where he was assigned to the Joint Warfighting Center/J7, responsible for Joint Force Training and Exercise support for US Northern Command. He reported to the Pentagon in July 2008 to serve as Military Assistant and Marine Aide to the Secretary of the Navy and finished his tour there as the Secretary’s Senior Military Assistant.
From February 2011 to May 2013, BGen Hedelund was assigned duties as Director, Marine and Family Programs Division (MF), M&RA, HQMC in Quantico, VA.
MajGen Hedelund assumed command of 2D Marine Aircraft Wing May 22, 2013.