Soldiers from the Army Air Operations Group participate in a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Aug. 2, 2012. The ceremony was held in a flight hanger with a VH- 60 Blackhawk, UH-72 Lakota, a rescue vehicle used by the 911th...
The Legion of Merit was presented to Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Cuomo for his actions while serving as the Army Air Operations Group command sergeant major from Feb. 6, 2009 to Aug. 2, 2012. Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, JFHQ-NCR/MDW commanding genera...
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (Aug. 2, 2012) -- Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Cuomo, command sergeant major of the Army Air Operations Group relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn L. Jones at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Aug. 2.
AAOG Commanding Officer, Col. Scott E. Sanborn, hosted the ceremony in a flight hanger displaying a VH- 60 Blackhawk, UH-72 Lakota, a rescue vehicle used by the 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company and a C37 aircraft.
The AAOG plans, coordinates, and executes aviation operations, to include regional and worldwide priority air transport for the Army's senior leadership, selected Depart of Defense officials, and Combatant Commanders.
"Today we say farewell to a great leader," said Sanborn. "In conducting this ceremony, we continue a time honored tradition that reinforces the NCO authority in the Army."
Cuomo has held every leadership position in the aviation career field from a helicopter crew chief to command sergeant major.
"He has that enthusiasm that never wanes, even in the worst of times," said Sanborn. "He has served as my battle buddy."
Cuomo assumed responsibility in Aug. 2010 and is now ready to pass the duty to another senior noncommissioned officer.
"For 42 months, Command Sgt. Maj. Cuomo has served this command with honor and distinction," said Sanborn. "He reinforced the AOG's constant pledge to make a kit, have a plan, and stay informed."
"He will be missed," said Jones. "But I will continue to take care of the great commanders, leaders, Soldiers, and civilians he has touched."
"Jump or die" Jones, an Ohio native, comes from Joint Readiness Training Center as a senior enlisted command sergeant major (A9), for the Aviation Task Force, Fort Polk, La.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Jones is prepared to take responsibility for the Army Air Operations Group," said Sanborn. "I look forward to working side by side and know he will bring this command to even greater heights."
"I'm on board!" said Jones. "I'm ready to advise and assist."
Jones will uphold responsibility of the Soldiers who execute airfield operations at Davison Army Airfield, provide Air Traffic Services support to the Pentagon helipad and the Soldiers that employ rotary wing aviation and engineer technical rescue assets to support designated contingency operations.
"Stay dedicated to the Army and take care of your family at all times. Together we can build a great bond, an environment of trust, and a team of teams," said Jones. "Above the best, Army Strong!"
Related Links:
Joint Force Headquarters - Nation Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington
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