FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 223rd Aviation Regiment welcomed a new command sergeant major during a ceremony on Howze Field Oct. 3.
Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick D. Jordan assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Scott W. McGee as the unit colors passed from McGee to Lt. Col. Christian M. Mariani, 1st Bn., 223rd Avn. Regt. commander, to Jordan.
Mariani expressed his full confidence in the new command sergeant major and welcome him and his family to the Spartan team.
"(Jordan) comes to us with a wealth of experience … as he takes the reins of this complicated, geographically separated battalion," said the 1-223rd commander during the ceremony. "I've enjoyed our interactions and discussions up to this point and look forward to working with you over the next couple years. I know the Army has selected the right person for the Spartans and you're ready for the challenge."
"Under your guidance, the Spartans will add another extraordinary legacy to their battalion's history," added McGee. "I truly wish you good luck -- prepare for the roller coaster ride."
Jordan returns to Fort Rucker with 23 years of experience having served in multiple assignments and leadership positions, including squad leader, section sergeant, maintenance supervisor, technical inspector, platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, first sergeant and battalion command sergeant major.
He has served all over the world, from Illesheim, Germany, to Camp Eagle, South Korea, and has served in multiple deployments, including a tour in Iraq, two tours in Afghanistan, one tour in Kuwait, two tours in Korea and one tour in Germany.
"I look forward to serving alongside you, the Soldiers and the Department of the Army civilians who comprise the 1-223rd, and to continue to enhance the proficiency and skill of future combat Aviators," Jordan said to Mariani. "It's important to maintain continuity, but it's also important to welcome change. The Spartans have a rich history of great leadership, and I will continue to build on that history."
Part of that history is thanks to McGee, he said.
"I'd like to take a moment to pay tribute to (McGee), whose leadership and dedication has produced an exceptional team," he said. "You are a true Army professional and I wish you the best. Thank you for building the team, and allowing me to inherit such a skilled and motivated battalion."
"McGee's ability to connect with the Spartan Soldiers, NCOs, officers and DA civilians is inspiring.
He does not demand respect from his subordinates, he earns it," added Mariani. "Even before I took command in June, I observed (McGee) in action and was thoroughly impressed with his leadership style, knowledge of this battalion and care for those he leads. This is exactly what you want in a sergeant major and it was a huge relief for me coming in to command."
McGee said he's enjoyed his time serving as the battalion command sergeant major, but it was the Soldiers and civilians of the battalion who made his time serving worthwhile.
"The Spartan battalion is an awesome place to serve," said the outgoing command sergeant major. "It's been a whirlwind time serving with the Soldiers of this Army family, and I could not have asked for a more receptive group of Soldiers to work with and for.
"(Command) Sergeant Major Jordan, I'm giving you the varsity squad," he continued. "All you've got to do is take the ball and run it -- I know it's going to be a great time and they're going to take you all the way."
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