John Shipley has been a driving force behind the tremendous success of Army Special-Operations Aviation (ARSOA). His leadership in bringing new, strategic capability to the Army continues to provide unprecedented capabilities for military operations around the world. Shipley is recognized by senior government leaders as one of the Army's finest acquisition executives, as well as being widely considered to be the founding father of ARSOA acquisition.

Over more than 30 years Shipley's efforts have resulted in the rapid development, procurement and fielding of such programs as the Armed Kiowa Warrior, the MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator, the MH-47D Adverse Weather Capable (AWC), and the mission enhanced MH-6M "Street Fighter." Under Shipley's steady direction, investment resources to support ARSOA have increased by more than $2 billion.

Shipley's numerous classified efforts, which must remain secret, are revolutionary for Army aviation. He is a true national asset.