Photo By Kelly Morris | Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael A. Corsaro accepts the ceremonial saber from Maj. Gen....... read more read more
The Fort Novosel community gathered to bid farewell to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael L. “Myke” Lewis Jr., and welcome Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael A. Corsaro during a change of responsibility ceremony at Howze Field June 9, 2023.
Partially unsheathing a ceremonial saber for the final time, Lewis then passed the saber to Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation branch chief, who passed it to Corsaro, the incoming senior warrant officer, symbolizing the transfer of authority.
The saber is one of the most enduring weapons on the battlefield and is symbolic of technical and tactical skill — fundamental characteristics of today’s warrant officer.
McCurry welcomed leaders, Army family, and Fort Novosel and Wiregrass community members to the ceremony.
“I am honored to stand here today with these two incredible American Soldiers,” McCurry said.
McCurry noted the upcoming anniversary of the warrant officer corps in July. The warrant officer flight program was established in 1953, and just under half of the warrant officers in the Army are in the aviation branch, he explained.
“If our noncommissioned officers are the backbone, our warrant officers are the heart and soul, the very lifeblood of Army aviation,” McCurry said.
According to regulation a warrant officer is a self-aware and adaptive technical expert, combat leader, trainer and advisor. The chief warrant officer of the branch is the principal assistant and advisor on all matters concerning warrant officers and their families, he explained.
McCurry welcomed the Corsaro family to the new role.
“Mike is infinitely qualified to assume his duties. His 34 years of combined arms experience, impeccable credentials as a trainer, numerous aircraft qualifications, and in-depth understanding of aviation operations make Mike well qualified to transform army aviation for the future,” McCurry said.
“Welcome, Mike and Suk! We are thrilled your family is here to share this journey ahead,” he said.
Corsaro arrives at Fort Novosel from his most recent assignment as the senior warrant officer advisor to the commanding general, 4th Infantry Division.
Corsaro initially served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a pilot-in-command and flight operations officer, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, before he transitioned to active duty.
He previously served as the command chief warrant officer of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. He served as the brigade standardization officer for the 2d Combat Aviation Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, and as the standardization instructor pilot for the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization, visiting each CAB around the globe.
He also served as battalion standardization officer for 1st Battalion, 2d Aviation regiment and as Task Force Standardization officer in Afghanistan, and standardization instructor pilot with 4th Battalion, 2d Aviation Regiment.
His multiple deployments include to Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Kuwait.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University – Sacramento, and also has is has private pilot ratings for single-engine fixed-wing aircraft.
Corsaro thanked leaders for their confidence in him, and family members for their support.
“I am truly humbled and thank God for this opportunity to serve as the tenth command chief warrant officer of this aviation branch, an aviation total force that is truly above the best,” he said.
He thanked the Lewis family for a smooth transition.
“Your mentorship over the years and selfless example are shoes that are going to be hard to fill. Myke, you said, ‘I often feel grateful to be part of something bigger than myself’, and Myke I cannot agree more and I am just honored to carry this torch further down the road,” Corsaro said.
Army warrant officers seize the possibilities and are always trying to be all they can be, he explained.
He thanked the outgoing Lewis family, as they prepare for retirement.
“Sadie and I appreciate all you did for Soldiers and their families, not only here at Fort Novosel but also across the Army. Sherrie is always there, quietly making sure things get done,” he said.
McCurry said Lewis is “courageous beyond belief,” and commended him for leading from the front, being technically and tactically proficient and taking care of Soldiers. He is qualified in five different aircraft, a master gunner, and a decorated combat veteran with five combat deployments.
“I valued Myke’s experience, servant leadership and sincerity. He has earned an outstanding reputation in the aviation community for his mastery of army aviation and combined arms,” he said.
Lewis thanked leaders, family members and Army community.
He recalled the anxious moments just prior to accepting responsibility as chief warrant officer of the branch two years ago.
“I’m sitting in my car … concerned about my capability to take this job and do well … and I get a phone call. This gentleman called me and he said, ‘Myke, you’ve got this’. And he said a little prayer for me. A wave of calm descended upon me, and made me feel confident and assured. The man on the other side of the phone call was CW5 Mike Corsaro.
“Mike, I couldn’t call you this morning, it was a little loud in that helicopter, but you’ve got this,” Lewis said. “Wishing you and Suk all the luck. You’ve got a huge team here that’s ready to support and love you. Thank you, sir.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2023 16:54 |
| Story ID: | 446626 |
| Location: | FORT NOVOSEL, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 222 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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