FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 23, 2015) -- The 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment (Airfield Operations) welcomed a new commander and bid farewell to the previous leader during a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum April 15.
Lt. Col. James Ashburn assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Daniel Morris as the unit colors changed hands, and Col. Douglas C. Van Weelden III, Air Traffic Services Command and 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group commander, provided a full vote of confidence for the new leader.
"I could not have chosen a more superb officer and Army family to continue the great work and accomplishments of this unit," said the colonel during the ceremony. "Matt, you're absolutely the right professional to lead these Soldiers and this organization into our future. I've been most privileged to have served with the Ashburns in the past, and when I learned about his selection to command the 1-58th, I was elated."
Ashburn returns to Fort Rucker from his most recent assignment as a J3-joint plans officer and executive officer for the U.S. Central Command Headquarters. He attended the Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training at Fort Rucker after his entry into the Army following his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He's held numerous leadership positions in multiple countries, including serving as the V Corps G3 air operations officer for V Corps Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, and battalion S4, headquarters company commander and flight company commander for 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Ashburn has also served in deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as the operations team leader supporting Multinational Division -- Baghdad.
"I'm so very humbled and honored to be given the privilege of commanding this great organization. I would not be here without the support of all of you in attendance today -- first and foremost of my wife, Katarina, and my amazing children," said Ashburn during the ceremony. "I couldn't do what I do in the Army without your love and support, and I'm so excited to see what this new adventure in Alabama holds for us.
"I would like to extend a special thanks to Colonel Van Weelden for the mentorship he gave me as a major, and also in advance for going easy on me when I make my fair share of new-guy mistakes," he continued. "I'm very happy to be working for you again, sir. It's clear to me that this unit has prospered under your (Morris') leadership. Kat and I will do the best to continue the path of excellence that you've put the battalion on."
That path of excellence includes execution of four field-of-training exercises, two of which were conducted in a joint environment, over 1,100 tower movements, 1,100 tactical control movements, 350 ground controlled approaches and 2,300 air space movements in the 2014 calendar year alone, said Van Weelden. The battalion Soldiers also convoyed more than 10,000 miles across three different states and performed sling load exercises.
"Phenomenal work by you and your team to say the least," said the ATSCOM commander to Morris. "Your leadership and vigor have led to increased readiness and capability of your organization. While you have invested in the development of your Soldiers and leaders and established enduring relationships and partnerships. I'm pretty sure you checked all of the FORSCOM commander's blocks."
"It has truly been an honor to have been able to lead the selected and given the opportunity to lead up the selections of the nation's very best -- the Soldiers who are standing out in front of you today," said Morris. "To the Ashburns, welcome to the 1-58th family. They say it can be hard to relinquish command after two years, but I have full confidence that the Army has selected the right person and the right family to lead this great organization. Kim and I wish you the very best.
Morris' next assignment is at the U.S. Army Aeronautical Services Agency at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
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