USAACE Command
United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence
Fort Rucker is the largest helicopter training installation in the world. As the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and the home of the Aviation Branch, Fort Rucker is charged with producing Aviation Soldiers for the world’s premier aviation force.
In February 1955, the Department of the Army established the Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Since that date, Fort Rucker has provided the force with motivated Aviation Soldiers and leaders, trained to world-class proficiency.
The Center’s primary mission is to train military, civilian, and international personnel in Aviation-related and leadership skills to prepare Army Aviation for the future. Through a partnership with local Wiregrass communities, the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Rucker provides an environment that supports this primary mission and provides for the well being of its personnel.
Fort Rucker is comprised of the Garrison Command, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College, U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center, U.S. Army Air Traffic Services Command, U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, U.S. Army Aeromedical Center, and numerous other resident organizations primarily focused on Army Aviation.
Commanding General, USAACE
Maj. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield began his military career in 1982 graduating from Marshall University as a Distinguished Military Graduate receiving a Regular Army commission. More
Deputy Commander
Colonel Jessie O. Farrington entered active military service in 1976 serving as an Infantryman, Special Forces Noncommissioned Officer and an Aviation Chief Warrant Officer before being commissioned in 1984. More
Chief Warrant Officer of the Aviation Branch
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael L. Reese is a native of Copperas Cove, Texas, and graduated from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas in 1985. More
Command Sergeant Major of the Aviation Branch
Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Thomson Jr. joined the United States Army from Portland, Maine as a CH-47 Helicopter Repairman (15U) in May 1987. More


