MG (Ret.) Lori Robinson, former AMCOM commanding general, is inducted into the Gold Honorable Order of St. Michael by BG
(Ret.)Tim Edens, Senior Vice President, AAAA, for her many contributions to Army Aviation.
Welcome to our annual Army Aviation Magazine “Blue Book” issue – a truly in-depth snapshot of our Branch from multi-component battalions and combat aviation brigades to National Guard Bureau and Department of the Army (DA) level. Our issue also includes contact information for Portfolio Acquisition Executives, as well as Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers.
Every year brings change to Army Aviation leadership, and this year is no exception. There have been a lot of changes, and it has been challenging to keep up with all the new structure and personnel changes.
By the time you read this, I (along with the other members of the AAAA National Executive Group (NEG)), will have attended the Army Aviation Center of Excellence Change of Command ceremony at Fort Rucker on August 26, 2026 from MG Clair Gill to MG Cain Baker.
AAAA and Army Aviation owes a huge debt of gratitude to our outgoing Branch Chief, and soon to be lieutenant general, Clair Gill for his leadership and unwavering support for our Aviation Soldiers and Families during his entire career, but especially during the last few years.
His leadership has been critical during a challenging period of Army Aviation Transformation, including the acceleration of FLRAA (MV-75), revamping flight training with Flight School Next, and the Branch’s embrace of drone warfare, including seizing the initiative by executing the Army’s first Best Drone Warfighter Competition this last February. Clair has been the steady hand on the controls, confidently guiding the Branch to success after success. We wish Clair and Fran all the best in their new assignment as the deputy commander, United States Southern Command.
AAAA and I are also very pleased that Aviation General Officer Steering Committee (AVGOSC) member, MG Cain Baker, who has most recently been the Director of the Future and Concepts Command Aviation Future Capability Directorate, is assuming command of the Branch from Clair. We could not be in more capable hands. We look forward to continuing to work with Cain and supporting his initiatives as he leads us into a future of increasing capabilities for our Branch and the Army.
I also would be remiss if I did not recognize the selection for promotion of several other Aviation general officers. Another member of the AVGOSC, BG David Phillips has been promoted to lieutenant general, with assignment as Military Deputy/Director, Army Acquisition Corps, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology), Pentagon, Washington, DC. David most recently served as the Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive, Maneuver Air, Redstone Arsenal, AL.
MG Phil Ryan was also recently selected for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg, NC. He most recently served as the Commanding General of United States Army South at Joint Base San Antonio.
We also congratulate MG Lori Robinson, Commanding General of Army Aviation and Missile Command, and another outstanding AVGOSC member, upon her retirement from Active Duty. Mr. Don Nitti, Deputy to the Commander AMCOM stepped up to become the acting commander on July 31, 2026.
Enjoy paging through our annual Army Aviation Magazine “Blue Book” issue and seeing who has moved where and who is responsible for what.
There is no doubt that Army Aviation continues to have the best and brightest leadership thanks to the dedication and determination of all our leaders from squad to division, as well as our newly promoted Army Aviators in Army and Joint major and combatant commands!
Above the Best!
MG Wally Golden, U.S. Army Retired
37th President, AAAA
walter.golden@quad-a.org
