FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The U.S. Army Special Operations Command bid farewell to its outgoing Command Chief Warrant Officer and welcomed its newest senior warrant officer leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at 9 a.m., Aug. 6, 2026.
Held on Meadows Field outside the USASOC Headquarters, the ceremony marked the transition of the position from Chief Warrant Officer 5 Stephen Finney to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Damian Owens. The event brought together senior leaders, distinguished guests, family members, and the men and women of Army Special Operations to honor a storied legacy.
Lt. Gen. Lawrence “Gil” Ferguson, commanding general of USASOC, officiated the ceremony, emphasizing the unique and critical role that warrant officers play across the formation.
“I have observed and relied upon our warrant officer corps, really the cohort, throughout my whole career," Ferguson said. "You're an unparalleled group of technical and tactical experts within our formation. You represent the continuity, the quiet professionalism – well, sometimes not so quiet – and the institutional wisdom that allows ARSOF really to do what no one else can do.”
As the command bid farewell to Finney, Ferguson highlighted a remarkable career spanning 35 and a half years in the Army, with almost 30 of those years dedicated to Army Special Operations. Ferguson praised Finney as a genuine, steady and deeply present leader who consistently led by example. Known for his relentless advocacy for subordinate units and his ability to bring clarity to complex problems, Finney served as a reliable anchor of institutional wisdom for the command.
“You cut through the noise, you cut through the friction, and you made the best choice for the organization," Ferguson told Finney during the ceremony. "You are a consistent and reliable teammate, and I am thankful for our friendship and for the time that we've worked together.”
For Finney, the day marked the capstone of an expansive Special Forces career.
“Today is what you would call bittersweet," Finney said. "It's a good day because we're welcoming a new Command Chief Warrant Officer to the headquarters, but for me, it also is essentially the end of my ARSOF career.”
He addressed the vast cohort he has spent years guiding and advocating for, noting the unique privilege of the position.
“To the nearly 1,400 warrant officers assigned to USASOC, there is no command chief warrant officer position quite like this," Finney added. "The opportunity to interact with and support such a talented and diverse cohort has been incredible. You represent the very best in the Army, and I appreciate everything you do every day.”
In his closing remarks, Finney reflected on his time in uniform and his readiness for the next chapter.
“I am deeply grateful for everything that I've been given, and I have peace in my heart knowing that it's time to step aside and walk away from something I truly love doing,” he said. “Serving as the USASOC Command Chief Warrant Officer has been the honor of a lifetime and something that I will never forget.”
As the mantle of responsibility passed, the command welcomed Chief Owens, a leader known for his candor, high standards, and unwavering dedication to the Special Forces mission. Ferguson shared a story about his first meeting with Owens, illustrating the incoming leader's direct and mission-focused mindset.
“The very first thing he did was he made it very clear what kind of leader he was going to be," Ferguson said. "He came into my office, sat down, and the first thing he did was he challenged me. He didn't ask me what I wanted him to do. He didn't ask me my thoughts about this, that, or the other thing. He challenged me to define my thoughts regarding the SF warrant officer corps: why they exist, what their purpose is, what they need to do to improve, and what direction they needed to be going.”
Ferguson expressed his complete confidence in Owens taking the helm.
“He is the ultimate quiet professional,” he said. “Damian, you are what people picture when they think Green Beret. You are well aware of the responsibility that lies before you, and I look forward to working with you again.”
Stepping up to the podium, Owens expressed gratitude for his family, mentors, and the noncommissioned officers who helped forge his career while outlining his vision for his tenure.
“Today is not about assuming responsibility; it's about accepting responsibility," Owens said. "A responsibility to listen before speaking, to serve before leading, to place the mission first while never forgetting that our people are the greatest strength. I recognize the incredible privilege of serving in this command. There's no greater concentration of talent, experience, and quiet professionalism anywhere in the world in any other formation.”
Owens concluded his remarks with a steadfast pledge to the soldiers and civilians of USASOC.
“As I assume this responsibility, my commitment is simple: to lead with humility, speak with honesty, make decisions with integrity, and never lose sight of those entrusted to our care," Owens stated. "The challenges before us are significant, but so is the character of this command. I have complete confidence that together we will continue to adapt, innovate, and uphold the standards that generations before us established. Thank you for your trust. I am honored to serve alongside you.”
-SINE PARI-