By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
FORT RUCKER, Ala. — A new chapter began for Army Aviation in the Wiregrass on Wednesday as Maj. Gen. Phillip C. Baker assumed command of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker during a ceremony at the Army Aviation Museum.
Baker succeeds Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, who led the installation and Army Aviation Center for the past two years and is now preparing for his next assignment and promotion to lieutenant general.
The change of command brought together military leaders, Soldiers, families, veterans and members of the Wiregrass community to recognize Gill’s leadership while welcoming Baker back to an area with which he and his family have strong ties.
Lt. Gen. James P. Isenhower III, commanding general of U.S. Army Combined Arms Command and commander of Fort Leavenworth, served as the ceremony’s host.
During his remarks, Isenhower highlighted the significant changes and accomplishments under Gill’s leadership.
More than 21,000 Soldiers received aviation training during Gill’s two years in command, while the organization continued adapting to the Army’s changing approach to aviation and future warfare.
Among the initiatives advanced during Gill’s tenure were Flight School Next, expanded unmanned aircraft capabilities, the creation of the 15X tactical unmanned aircraft systems specialist military occupational specialty, development of an unmanned aircraft advanced lethality course and the Army’s first Best Drone Warfighter Competition.
Isenhower credited Gill’s leadership and vision with helping position Army Aviation for the challenges ahead.
Baker, meanwhile, made it clear that he intends to continue that forward-looking approach while also placing an emphasis on the culture and standards that have long defined Army Aviation.
“We wear wings on our chest that represent a lot more than flight pay,” Baker said during the ceremony. “Those wings represent a standard, they represent a professionalism, they represent competence, and most importantly, they represent the grit and determination required to win on the battlefield.”
Baker also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with taking command of the Army’s aviation center and installation.
He said his family, including his wife, Courtney, and their daughters, is excited to return to Alabama.
The Bakers’ return also brought a lighter moment to the ceremony when Baker jokingly addressed one of the Wiregrass’ most familiar debates.
After noting the division between Auburn and Alabama fans, Baker declared his allegiance with a loud “War Eagle,” drawing laughter from those gathered before responses of “Roll Tide” came from the crowd.
For Gill, the ceremony marked an emotional return to a place that has played a major role throughout his military career.
He first arrived at Fort Rucker as a flight student in 1994. More than three decades later, he leaves the installation after serving as its commanding general.
Gill reflected on the relationships he built during his time in the Army and expressed appreciation for the Soldiers, civilians, families and community members who supported the mission.
He also recognized Floyd Emory, a Vietnam veteran who served as Gill’s primary instructor pilot early in his aviation career.
Gill credited Emory with helping establish the foundation for his Army aviation career and recalled the impact his instructor had on him as a young Soldier.
Fort Rucker also became an important part of Gill’s personal life. He met his wife, Fran, at the installation in 1998.
During the ceremony, Gill recognized her contributions to their family and his career, as well as their son, Josh, who has grown up moving from one Army community to another.
Gill said the Army gave his family much more than a series of assignments, providing friendships and relationships that became like family.
His remarks also reflected on the changing nature of Army Aviation.
The branch is increasingly incorporating unmanned and autonomous systems while expanding its training and preparing for future conflicts. Gill encouraged those in Army Aviation to embrace those changes without losing sight of the people and traditions that built the branch.
He also emphasized that the aircraft may evolve, but the Soldier remains at the center of Army Aviation’s mission.
Gill specifically recognized the Wiregrass communities that have long supported Fort Rucker, including Ozark, Daleville, Enterprise, Dothan, Newton, New Brockton and Pinckard.
For generations, the installation’s helicopters and aircraft have been a familiar part of life across the Wiregrass, while local communities have provided support to military families stationed at Fort Rucker.
Gill also remembered Chief Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Munger, a flight instructor who was killed in an Apache helicopter crash shortly after Gill arrived at Fort Rucker. Gill recalled the community’s support for Munger’s family following the tragedy.
“The Wiregrass is just special,” Gill said.
As Gill prepares to leave the installation, he expressed confidence in Baker and his ability to lead Army Aviation into its next chapter.
Baker is familiar with the organization and its mission, having previously worked closely with the Army as it developed future vertical lift capabilities.
Gill’s next assignment will take him to Doral, Florida, where he will serve as deputy commander of U.S. Southern Command following his promotion to lieutenant general.
For the Wiregrass, the change represents both a farewell to a commander who became closely connected to the community and the beginning of a new era under Baker’s leadership.
As Baker takes the reins, Fort Rucker remains at the center of the Army’s aviation mission, training the Soldiers and developing the capabilities that will shape Army Aviation’s future.
