Welcoming the new CH-47F Project Manager Lieutenant Colonel Bradley J. Killen
U.S. Army photo
Lieutenant Colonel Brad Killen took the lead on the CH-47F Program at the Cargo Helicopter Office in June. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1987 as a combat engineer. He earned his commission in 1992 through ROTC at the University of North Alabama, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate, earning a bachelor's degree in management.
Lieutenant Colonel Killen received his master's degree in management from Florida Institute of Technology in 2003, followed by graduation from the Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 2004. As an Acquisition Corp member, LTC Killen holds a level three certification in program management. His broad experience includes Army Aviation platoon leader and then as the division protocol officer in the Fourth Infantry Division. LTC Killen commanded the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Aviation Brigade, Camp Stanley, Korea, and served as assistant to the commanding general at Fort Rucker, Ala. In addition, he served two years as the systems integration officer for the OH 58D (Kiowa Warrior) and later was the assistant product manager for Aviation Tactical Communications Systems in PEO Aviation and executive officer for a Joint ACAT 1D Source Selection Evaluation Board. LTC Killen's last assignment was in the Pentagon, working in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
Lieutenant Colonel Killen's awards and decorations include three Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and Overseas Service and Global War on Terrorism Ribbons, Army Staff Badge, Army Aviation Wings, Air Assault and Airborne Badges.
Welcome to the CH-47F Program.
Recognizing a Leader, LTC Thomas H. Todd, CH-47F project manager
Reflecting on LTC Thomas Todd's tenure as the CH-47F project manager would require volumes to document. Merely listing accomplishments of fielding a new aircraft; successfully accomplishing operational testing; awarding combat certification; fielding, training and equipping more than four units; working a multiyear contract award and the deployment of the new F in OEF/OIF does not complete the picture. Throughout all, LTC Todd set a standard for performance and demonstrated leadership every day and reminded everyone to maintain a focus on that which mattered most, Soldiers First.
Perhaps the best way to summarize Todd's performance is in the award of the Order of St. Michael:
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas H. Todd III provided outstanding leadership and professionalism, contributing immeasurably to accomplishing the U.S. Army's mission and enhancing the warfighter's operational capabilities. LTC Todd distinguished himself through effective leadership and innovative acquisition approaches to secure the first Aviation Weapon Systems Type Classification and Full Material Release with the initial request, award the first CH-47F Multi-year contract with $450M in savings and field the first CH-47F unit equipped. LTC Todd successfully led and directed a 114-person multifunctional member team to provide worldwide users with an operationally capable, technologically superior, safe and cost-effective cargo helicopter.
In closing let us say thank you for your service as CH-47F project manager. Please accept our best wishes for you in future assignments. We will all focus on Soldiers First.