COL Ryan P. Sullivan

Brigade Commander

Colonel Ryan P. Sullivan earned his commission from the United States Military Academy in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering.

In 2001, COL Sullivan completed the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, Aviation Officer Basic Course, and AH-64A Aircraft Qualification Course at Fort Rucker (now known as Fort Novosel 2023), Alabama. He then served as a Scout Platoon Leader, III/V Platoon Leader and Troop Commander with 1st Battalion, 6th Cavalry Regiment at Camp Eagle, Korea from 2002-2004. After completing the Infantry Officer’s Career Course at Fort Benning (now known as Fort Moore 2023), Georgia, COL Sullivan served as the Battalion S-2 for 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment at Fort Hood (now known as Fort Cavazos 2023), Texas. Following the unit’s completion of the AH-64D Unit Fielding and Training Program the battalion reflagged, and COL Sullivan commanded Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment and deployed to FOB Taji, Iraq in 2006-2007.

Following command, COL Sullivan was selected as an Olmsted Scholar and reported the Defense Language Institute – East in Arlington, Virginia for Chinese-Mandarin training. Afterward, he attended Fudan University in Shanghai, China from 2008-2010. Upon completion of his studies in Shanghai, COL Sullivan reported to Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he served as the 5th Special Forces Group Aviation Officer and then as the 5st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment Executive and Operations Officer during the unit’s deployment to FOB Shank, Afghanistan in 2012-2013. Following deployment, he was assigned to the 1st Joint Special Operations Aviation Command at Fort Bragg (now known as Fort liberty 2023), North Carolina, serving in several different positions within the Joint organization, concluding as the J3 - Director of Operations. Selected to command, he led 4th Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade at Camp Humphreys, Korea from 2018-2020. Post command, COL Sullivan served on the Army Staff as the Modernization Division Chief and then the Deputy Director of Aviation, G-3-5-7 (DAMO-AV).

COL Sullivan is a Command and General Staff and Senior Services College Graduate and holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Chinese Politics and Diplomacy from Fudan University, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, and a Masters in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.

COL Sullivan’s military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (w/4 OLC), Defense Meritorious Medal (w/1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (w/1 OLC), Air Medal (w/Numeral 3), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

CSM Jason C. Adkison

Brigade Command Sergeant Major

Command Sergeant Major Jason C. Adkison was raised in Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan. He joined the Army from Okinawa, Japan in 1998. He attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC and attended Advance Individual Training at Fort Eustis, VA where he earned the MOS 15D Aircraft Powertrain Repairer. ​

CSM Adkison has served in numerous leadership positions in Army Aviation, including Powertrain Supervisor, Powertrain Squad Leader, Avionics Platoon Supervisor, Production Control NCOIC, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Support Operations Sergeant Major, Operations Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major.

CSMAdkison’s has participated in multiple operations, Operation Iraq Freedom 2004, 2006, 2009 and Operation Inherent Resolve 2016. ​

CSM Adkison’s assignments include 615th ASB, FT Hood (now Know as Fort Cavazos), TX; 1-7 CAV, FT Hood (now Know as Fort Cavazos), TX; 3-4 CAV, WAAF, HI; 6-17 CAV, WAAF, HI; 209th ASB, WAAF, HI; 2-2 ASLT, K-16, Korea; 2-4 GSAB, FT Carson, CO; 4-6 CAV, JBLM, WA and 3-25 AVN REGT WAAF, HI. ​

CSM Adkison’s Military Education includes: Basic Leaders Course (BLC), Advance Leaders Course (ALC), Senior Leaders Course (ALC) (Honor Grad), First Sergeant Course, and the Sergeants Major Course (SMC Class 69). His civilian education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Workforce Development from the Command and General Staff College and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science Administrative Management Studies from Excelsior College. ​

CSM Adkison’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (2 oak leaf clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (3 CS), Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (1 CS), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (3 oak leaf clusters), Army Superior Unit Award (2 oak leaf clusters), Master Aviation Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Drivers Badge. Additionally, CSM Adkison is the recipient of The Order of Saint Michael (Bronze), German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (Gold), and the German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge (Silver).​

CW5 Ryan W. Dechent

Command Chief Warrant Officer

CW5 Ryan Dechent was raised in Elmira, Oregon. He joined the Army in October 2000. He attended Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA and attended Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker, AL followed by flight school. He earned his wings July 2001 and completed CH-47D AQC October 2002.

CW5 Dechent completed the CH-47D Instructor Pilot Course in August 2005 and has served in numerous standardization positions in Army Aviation, including Company IP/IE, Company SP, DES SP, DES Cargo Branch Chief, Battalion SP, TF SWOA, Brigade SP, and as the DES Standardization Officer.

His combat deployments and operations include: Operation Iraq Freedom 2003 and 2006, Operation Enduring Freedom 2009, 2011, and Operation Freedom Sentinel 2019. His two humanitarian aid operations were for Hurricane Harvey (Houston, TX) and Hurricane Maria (Puerto Rico) 2017.

CW5 Dechent’s assignments include 7-101, Fort Campbell, KY; Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization (DES), Fort Rucker, AL; 2-501 GSAB, Fort Bliss, TX; 1 AD CAB, Fort Bliss, TX Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization (DES), Fort Rucker, AL, and currently as the 3rd CAB CCWO, Hunter AAF, GA.

CW5 Dechent’s Military Education includes Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC), CH-47D/F Instructor Pilot Course, Rotary Wing Instrument Flight Examiner Course, Warrant Officer Advance Course (WOAC), Warrant Officer Senior Course (WOSC), and Warrant Officer Senior Service Education (WOSSE). His civilian education includes a Bachelors Degree in Military Studies and Military History from Ashford University and an Associates Degree in Aeronautical Studies from Lane Community College.

CW5 Dechent’s awards and decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal (6 numerals), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4 CS), Iraqi Campaign Medal (4 CS), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service medal (1 numeral), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas service Ribbon (5 numerals), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Master Aviator Badge, Air Assault Badge. Additionally, CW5 Dechent is the recipient of The Order of Saint Michael (Silver) and the recipient of the Order of the Daedalians 2019 Army Exceptional Aviator Award.