New commander at Special Operations Aviation Command Unit

The U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command held a change of command ceremony at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) on May 17 with Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Jones assuming command of the Yuma Flight Detachment from Capt. Jarod Steen.

The flight detachment has supported training operations of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School's Military Free Fall School (MFFS) at YPG since 2014. The MFFS has utilized the proving ground’s vast ranges to train thousands of the military’s most elite paratroopers since opening in 1996.

Jones assumes the post as the detachment’s third commander. The detachment safely flew in excess of 2,000 flight hours during Steen’s tenure, which earned high praise.

“If I had to describe him in three words, I would say dedicated, humble, and innovative,” said Maj. Bryan Pierce, company commander. “During his tenure as the detachment commander, the unit maintained an over 98% mission success rate with a reputation known coast to coast.”

Jones said he is ready to hit the ground running.

“It’s an honor to command here,” he said. “I’ve spent the majority of my career working in small groups and small units. I’ve witnessed firsthand how great things often come from small packages.”