ACLC welcomes new commander

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 7, 2012) -- The people of Fort Rucker and surrounding communities welcomed the new commander of Aviation Center Logistics Command, Col. Michael C. Aid, and said goodbye to Col. Richard E. Crogan II, outgoing ACLC commander, during the ACLC change of command ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum May 30.

The ceremony kicked off as flowers and coins were presented to the Family members of the incoming and outgoing commanders, and with the official passing of the colors from one commander to the next.

Aid expressed his gratitude to Fort Rucker and leadership for the overwhelming support he has felt joining the Army Family here at the installation.

Maj. Gen. James E. Rogers, commanding general of U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command, presided over the ceremony and spoke about the responsibility Aid assumed with the command of ACLC, as well as his confidence in the new commander.

"This is a huge brigade and a huge responsibility for our nation that Mike is taking over right now and he is up to the task," he said. "Mike Aid is no stranger to logistics and maintenance, and what a great asset he is going to be to the Fort Rucker Family. The experience that he has had up to this day makes him the perfect candidate."

"I want to thank Major General Rogers for … entrusting me with this command and allowing me to join the great [Aviation and Missile Command] team," he said, adding that he feels very welcome joining the Aviation Center team.

Crogan, who served 30 months as the commander of ACLC, said that it was hard to believe the time he had served as the commander had passed so quickly, adding that commanding the ACLC was an honor and privilege.

"Part of the honor … is knowing that I'm handing the command over to another leader -- an outstanding one at that," said Crogan. "Colonel Mike Aid brings a great depth of experience and he is a perfect fit to lead ACLC into the future."

The future of ACLC that Aid must take on is ever changing, according to Rogers.

"Logistics, sustainment and maintenance is a never-ending story," said Rogers. "It will always be there and every day is a new challenge. Mike, I challenge you to take it to the next level. It's your mission, your task -- take command."

Aid accepted that challenge and said that he was honored to be able to have to opportunity to contribute to training "Army Aviation's finest professionals."

"At the end of the day, that's what the mission is," he said. "I understand the importance of ACLC's mission and helping to meet the demands of commanders worldwide. I have some big shoes to fill and I'll try to do my best."