FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 3, 2015) -- As the Aviation Center Logistics Command colors changed hands, a new leader took responsibility as the senior NCO of the ACLC March 27.
Sgt. Maj. Daryle Pilkinton assumed responsibility from 1st Sgt. Steven Thorman during a change of responsibility ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
Col. Kenneth J. Kliethermes, ACLC commander, presided over the ceremony and expressed his faith in his new senior NCO, while bidding farewell to the other.
"Today, you and your family join a wonderful team of Army families, civilians and Soldiers," said Kliethermes to Pilkinton during the ceremony. "You have a wealth of knowledge, and we know with certainty that you are the best choice for the job at hand. The big Army chooses sergeants major carefully and wisely, and I am confident that you will serve this great command with the same professionalism and pride with which you've done with everything else in your past assignments."
That wealth of knowledge includes more than 30 years of Army experience, having served in numerous positions within Army Aviation. Since entering the Army in 1984, Pilkinton has served in multiple duty and leadership assignments across multiple continents, including crew chief in Foxtrot Troop, 2nd Combat Aviation Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Nuremberg, Germany; squad leader for the turbine engine repair shop in C Company, 2nd Aviation Maintenance Company at Camp Stanley, South Korea; first sergeant of B Co., 3rd Attack Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; and command sergeant major of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd CAB.
Pilkinton said he's both grateful and humbled to join the ACLC team, and promises to put to good use of the knowledge he's acquired over the years.
"Thank you for this opportunity," he said. "I look forward to serving with each of you and tackling the challenges that lie ahead. The diversity and complexity of the ACLC mission is truly awe inspiring. I look forward to working with (all of) you and getting to know each of you. Your unparalleled reputation for commitment to excellence precedes you. I am honored to become part of your team."
ACLC supports the quality oversight of nearly 600 aircraft, which is the largest fleet of aircraft in the Army, according to Kliethermes. The fleet flies 25 percent of the entire Army's flight hours, which is about 220,000 hours per year, and the ACLC team supports thousands of aircraft launches that consist of seven different aircraft types, from five different airfields.
It's that responsibility that Pilkinton will be taking on with the rest of his team to continue the work of his predecessor.
"First Sergeant Thorman, you are one of these great senior non-commissioned officers who are responsible for our daily success," said Kliethermes during the ceremony. "You have humbly served ACLC and (Aviation Missile Command), and supported (the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence) for two and a half years. Under your leadership, ACLC was (successful) because of your ability to manage NCO talent and work with the team to get the best from the best.
"You understand how to coach, teach and mentor Soldiers to reach their full potential. You understand the Soldier and listen to their needs, but you also challenge them and hold them accountable for their actions," he continued. "I am extremely proud of you and your team for all of your accomplishments and for the outstanding reputation you have established under your leadership -- you have done a phenomenal job."
Thorman will be retiring after more than 24 years in service.
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
Social Sharing