USASOAC welcomes sixth command sergeant major

Photo By Master Sgt. shannon blackwell | Command Sgt. Maj. Rob Armstrong, incoming command sergeant major, U.S. Special Operations Aviation Command, receives the USASOAC colors from Col. Phil Ryan, commander, USASOAC, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept 25. (Photo by Master Sgt. Shannon Blackwell, USASOAC public affairs)  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

09.25.2020

Courtesy Story

United States Army Special Operations Aviation Command

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina – The U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) welcomed a new command sergeant major during a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Bragg, today.

Col. Philip (Phil) Ryan, USASOAC commander, presided over the ceremony as Command Sgt. Maj. James (Jimmy) D. Wilson relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Rob Armstrong. Armstrong takes over as the most senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) and sixth command sergeant major of USASOAC, commonly referred to as ARSOAC.

“The change of responsibility is a key milestone in the history of the ARSOAC and the lives of the thousands of Special Operations Aviation Soldiers around the world,” said Ryan.

Armstrong most recently served as the as command sergeant major for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and previously held positions within USASOAC’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) as a battalion command sergeant major and company first sergeant.

“Between these two great NCOs, they have a combined 35 years of Night Stalking – an extraordinary number especially when you consider that the 160th is just shy of 39 years old,” continued Ryan.

Night Stalkers is the 160th SOAR’s distinctive designation.

“Col. Ryan, sir, thanks for having the trust and confidence in my abilities and allowing me the opportunity to serve as the ARSOAC command sergeant major,” said Armstrong. “It is truly a blessing.

“Jimmy, thanks for a first class handover and more importantly thanks for your mentorship over the last 14 years. Your impact on this enterprise will be lasting.”

Wilson’s next assignment is as the command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

“The ARSOAC is blessed with tremendous talent and I don’t have time to thank everyone during this speech,” said Wilson. “But, know I’m grateful to you all for what you do for ARSOA and our nation.

“Leaving is always tough but certainly made easier knowing that Rob and Liz Armstrong are here to move the team forward,” he continued. “Rob, you are the right command sergeant major for this job and I look forward to working with you as we push Army Aviation into the future.”

For more information contact USASOAC public affairs at [phone] or [e-mail].
 

• Date Taken: 09.25.2020
• Date Posted: 09.25.2020 14:21
• Story ID: 378715
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US