After completing The Basic School, Jensen entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in August, 1977.

Returning from overseas, he attended Amphibious Warfare School from 1981 to 1982, and was then reassigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing where he served in HMLA-167, HMM-365, HMM-261, and MAG-26 Headquarters.

Following his MAG-39 command tour, Major General Jensen returned to the Pentagon for assignment as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition), Expeditionary Forces Programs.

In June 2005, Jensen assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group Three and deployed in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom.

Further, he served as Commander Task Force 59, leading the Joint non-combatant evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon in the summer of 2006.