12th Combat Aviation Brigade holds first Brigade Senior Warrant Officer change of responsibility ceremony

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ondirae Abdullah-Robinson | The new 12th Combat Aviation Brigade senior warrant officer, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tom Walton, stands before a formation of 12th CAB warrant officers during a senior warrant officer change of responsibility formation at Katterbach Army Airfield April 18, 2013. (Photo by Spc. Ondirae H. Abdullah-Robinson, 12th CAB Public Affairs)  

KATTERBACH, BY, GERMANY

04.18.2013

Story by Capt. Michael Barranti 

12th Combat Aviation Brigade

ANSPACH, Germany - In a ceremony performed predominantly by the brigade's warrant officers, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mike Apple handed over the reins as the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) senior warrant officer to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tom Walton on April 18, 2013, in Hangar Three at Katterbach Army Airfield in Germany.

U.S. Army Europe Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. James C. Boozer Sr., 12th CAB Commander Col. Jay Voorhees, incoming 12th CAB Commander Col. Vincent H. Torza, Garrison Commander Col. Kelly J. Lawler and senior leaders from around the 12th CAB all converged on Katterbach for the ceremony, which was the first of its kind in the 12th CAB and in U.S. Army Europe.

Looking over a formation comprised almost entirely of warrant officers, Voorhees addressed those in attendance. "What a great day, and a historic day for the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade," he said. "Today's ceremony is the first of its type in the storied history of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and is one of the first of its type in Army Aviation."

Voorhees created the brigade senior warrant officer position for the 12th CAB. Intended to be the voice of warrant officers and their families, Voorhees formalized it as part of the command group structure when he assigned Chief Warrant Officer 5 John C. Pratt to the position in 2011. During his tenure, Pratt laid the groundwork for what the position would become.

"The senior warrant officer position is relatively new, but crucial to the success of the CAB. Guys like me, and other more senior leaders would never be in the positions we are in if it wasn't for the Soldiers along the way. For those who have had any success in Army Aviation, Warrant Officers have been imperative to that success along the way," said Voorhees.

Pratt was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 28, 2012, when enemy forces shot down his AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter.

"When we lost our first 12th CAB Senior Warrant Officer, John Pratt, in combat, I needed to fill this key command position, and I emphasize command position, immediately. I felt it was imperative that we continue to move forward despite our loss," said Voorhees. "Mike Apple was the right guy in this situation."

Apple, who had been the 12th CAB's master gunner, was Pratt's instructor when the latter went through the Longbow qualification course and the two served together for more than a decade at Fort Rucker, Hunter Army Airfield and in Germany. Following Pratt's death, Apple stepped in to take the role. He became the brigade's senior warrant officer and senior instructor pilot, while continuing his duties as the master gunner.

"[Voorhees] instituted the senior warrant command position in 12th CAB, with CW5 John Pratt. Not only did he give him the title of senior warrant, but more importantly he gave him his own office and parking spot. More importantly, he made the senior warrant part of the command team. This must mean something?" said Apple. "When John passed, it was extremely difficult on everyone and very hard to face that reality. I had those same feelings, but also had a duty to perform when Col. Voorhees asked me to step up and to be the Senior Warrant. I didn't want to sit at his desk, take his title, nor try to replace my long time friend. His shoes can never be filled, but I did step up under difficult circumstances, because this [position] did mean something."

The warrant officer role has changed quite a bit in the last 30 years. As pilots, technicians and technical experts in their fields, opportunities and responsibilities for warrant officers have expanded. Today they find themselves serving in joint assignments, as liaison officers representing Army Aviation in foreign countries or serving in the Pentagon as the subject matter experts for the military's top decision makers. Now, with the addition of the senior warrant officer to the brigade command team, the senior warrant officer's role includes advising the commander and managing warrant officers in the brigade. The warrant officers have evolved and expanded as a force depended upon at a greater level.

"Greater levels require greater dedication. If it was up to Tom and I, we would just give a high-five and switch. Col. Voorhees wanted to make this a special event and to recognize the warrant officer's role in our community," said Apple to the formation of warrant officers.

Voorhees tapped Walton, who had been the battalion senior warrant officer in 3rd of the 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, to replace Apple as brigade senior warrant officer as the latter prepares to move on to Fort Rucker, Ala. where he will join the Army's Aviation Shoot-Down and Assessment Team (ASDAT) .

"Tom absolutely brings a set of skills to this position that are unmatched, and the right background and experiences that will elevate the senior warrant officer position for the 12th CAB but also for Army Aviation," said Voorhees.

"Col. Voorhees, thank you for your trust and confidence in my ability to perform as the brigade senior warrant officer. I will continue to develop this position as CW5 Pratt and CW5 Apple have done before me," said Walton, who had extended his tour in Germany to take the position and worked the transition with Apple for the weeks leading up to the ceremony.

"I was thinking about what John feels today, and I am sure that he is very proud of what the position has become," said Voorhees to his incoming and outgoing senior warrant officers. "He would be extremely proud of both of you."

• Date Taken: 04.18.2013
• Date Posted: 05.01.2013 07:47
• Story ID: 106124
• Location: KATTERBACH, BY, DE
• Hometown: DOTHAN, AL, US
• Hometown: ENTERPRISE, AL, US
• Hometown: FORT NOVOSEL, AL, US
• Hometown: ORLANDO, FL, US
• Hometown: SCOTTSDALE, AZ, US