REDSTONE ARSENAL -- As the Army continues to field the E model AH-64 Apache to the aviation fleet, a new leader takes the reins with production and fielding of the most lethal attack helicopter in the world.
Lt. Col. Anthony Cassino assumed charter of the Apache Production and Fielding product office from Lt. Col. Talmadge Sheppard during a change of charter ceremony June 29.
Cassino was a former Apache Block III assistant product manager and the Aviation Mission Planning System and most recently served as the APM for Airborne Collection Systems in the program office for Communications Intelligence Support Systems at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Sheppard served as the product manager for Apache Production and Fielding for three years. During his tenure, the product office completed fielding the first three E model units and training has begun for the fourth unit equipped with the 3-101st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The AH-64E is the next generation of the Apache attack helicopter and adds manned/unmanned teaming or MUM-T, cognitive decision aiding, improved drive system, open architecture, new composite rotor blades and a new fuselage. The E model Apache also extends fleet life expectancy and reduces operations and support cost, including logistics footprint.
Additionally, the E model's level of interoperability 4 capability for MUM-T allows the AH-64E to receive unmanned aerial system video, control the payload of an unmanned aircraft system and control the UAS' flight path.
"There's ups and downs with every position that you have," said Col. Jeff Hager, Apache project manager, who presided over the ceremony. Noting that every program has "glitches" with every new piece of equipment, Hager lauded Sheppard for always standing fast and bringing everyone together to find efficient and effective solutions. "We've fielded well over 100 aircraft and you've brought the group together," he said.
Hager welcome Cassino back to the Apache family, adding that he is inheriting a great team to move forward with fielding the E model Apaches to the rest of the Army. The Army plans to purchase 690 AH-64E aircraft.
Sheppard thanked his team, referring to them as "rock stars" and the primary reason that the program is alive and well. He thanked his family most of all for standing by him through all the times spent apart throughout his military career.
During the ceremony, Sheppard was awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Honorable Order of St. Michael, Bronze Award, from the Army Aviation Association of America.
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