Major Abelson was commissioned in May 1999 after graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He then completed The Basic School curriculum in Quantico, Virginia. Prior to commencing flight school in Pensacola, Major Abelson joined the Inspector-Instructor Staff of Engineer Support Company and Bridge Company Alpha, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, in Battle Creek, Michigan. After returning to Pensacola for flight training, Major Abelson earned his wings in November 2002.
Major Abelson reported to HMLA/T-303 in November 2002 for AH-1W Replacement Aircrew Training at Camp Pendleton, California, after which he completed Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape school in San Diego, California.
Major Abelson joined HMLA-267 “Stingers” in May 2003 where he served as Schedule Writer, S-6 Officer-in-Charge, and NATOPS Officer, deploying once with the unit as part of the Unit Deployment Program in Okinawa, Japan. He also earned the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) designation and served as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer during the final portion of his tour at HMLA-267.
While assigned to HMLA-267, Major Abelson deployed twice with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as a member of the H-1 Detachment for HMM-165(REIN). In December 2004 during his first MEU deployment, he directed 15th MEU aviation assets during humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts in Indonesia after a devastating tsunami. He rejoined MEU forces afloat and supported Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) from Al Taqaddam Airbase, Iraq. Major Abelson deployed with HMM-165(REIN) again from 2006-2007, supporting OIF from both Al Asad Airbase and Korean Village, Iraq. During his time at HMM-165(REIN), Major Abelson performed the duties of Flightline Officer, Ordnance Officer, Current Operations Officer, Pilot Training Officer, and H-1 Detachment WTI.
Major Abelson was selected as the first Royal Australian Army Tiger-Cobra Exchange pilot in 2007, flying their new Eurocopter Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). He became the Squadron and Regiment Gunnery Officer, and he held all existing Tiger ARH qualifications and designations. He and his family lived in Darwin, Northern Territory, for more than two years.
In 2011 Major Abelson reported to the Pentagon, Headquarters Marine Corps, Aviation Manpower and Support Branch, as an Aircrew Programs Analyst. He assumed additional responsibilities as the Commandant’s action officer for the Marine Aviation Centennial celebration while modifying the Marine Air Board and Operational Advisory Group construct. Major Abelson also participated in multiple Australian-United States staff talks.
Major Abelson returned to the Fleet Marine Force in 2013, joining HMLA-469 “Vengeance” for his squadron department head tour. After completing duties as the Operations Officer, he became the Executive Officer in June 2014 and deployed with the squadron to Okinawa, Japan, in October 2014.
In addition to his undergraduate education, Major Abelson completed non-resident Amphibious Warfare School and is a Distinguished Graduate of the Command and Staff College Distance Education Program.
Major Abelson’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with numeral six.