FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - J. Scott Norwood, deputy chief of staff and strategic effects director to the commander, U.S. Army Pacific, was honored during a Flying "V" ceremony held at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Oct. 6.
The Flying "V" ceremony traditionally welcomes or honors senior Army officials when they assume duties or depart from an USARPAC. The "V" refers to the way the colors are posted during the ceremony, which is V-shaped.
Fifteen of USARPAC's subordinate and theater-enabling commands were represented on the parade field by Soldiers bearing the organizational colors and command teams.
Norwood joined USARPAC following his assignment as executive director of strategy, policy, and plans, Combined Security Transition Command, Afghanistan. Prior assignments as a Senior Executive Service member include a fellowship at the Naval Postgraduate School and a five-year tour of duty as deputy director for global security affairs, strategic plans and policy, Joint Staff.
U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General Gen. Vincent K. Brooks officiated the ceremony and addressed Norwood's importance to USARPAC and the impact he expects him to have on the command.
"Scott, or 'Scotty' as he goes by, is a proven leader, in uniform and as a civilian. Scotty brings the background of being a warrior, a scholar and an artist," Brooks said. "He is a well-respected senior leader and a strategic thinker with a unique depth and breadth to bring to this command."
Brooks went on to discuss how Norwood is also a retired fighter pilot with 27 years in the U.S. Air Force and that, while on active duty, Norwood served as a policy and issues analyst for the secretary of the Air Force; as commander of a U.S. Air Force fighter and bomber test group; as director of operations, Cheyenne Mountain, NORAD/USSPACECOM during 9/11; and as senior military assistant to the administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority during the occupation of Iraq.
Brooks also informed those in attendance that Norwood was a recipient of the U.S. Air Force's Lance Sijan Award for Leadership in combat during Desert Storm.
As a captain, [Norwood] led large air armadas from Turkey into Iraq to attack heavily defend areas in Baghdad throughout Desert Storm without a combat loss," Brooks said. "This led to him being recognized for leadership in combat by the chief of staff of the Air Force with the USAF Lance Sijan Leadership Award."
Brooks finished his remarks by welcoming Norwood and his family to USARPAC and stated how glad he is that he will part of the USARPAC "One Team" Ohana.
"We are fortunate, indeed, to have the Norwood family as part of our team," said Brooks. "Scotty has already demonstrated his value to the team and he is just climbing to altitude. I am excited about his addition, and about the things we can all look forward to seeing from the Strategy and Effects Directorate - also known as 'F-X-D' under the leadership and guidance of Scott Norwood."
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