"Unquestionably the Army's most experienced and expert commander and manager in the full spectrum of Aviation acquisition." So said General John R. Guthrie, AMC Commander, in describing Major General Story C. Stevens.

A Master Army Aviator, Stevens planned, established, and commanded the U.S. Army Aviation Research & Development Command - now the Aviation Systems Command - for eight key years during which the entire present generation of Army aircraft - the Black Hawk, Apache, CH-47D Chinook, and AHIP - were developed, tested, and initially fielded.

Under his leadership a number of advanced development programs produced noteworthy technical improvements in the areas of composite structure, fuel efficient turbine engines, survivable digital electronics, and reconfigurable flight control systems. Working closely with his colleagues at the Training and Doctrine Command, he laid the groundwork for the Army's LHX (now Comanche) program.

Employing a unique style of management wherein his subordinates enjoyed both professional freedom and total support, Story Stevens was responsible for AVRADCOM becoming a model command for creativity, innovation, and teamwork. His major program accomplishments were the successful development, qualification, and fielding of long-life fiberglass rotor blades for AH-1S and CH-47D aircraft; the lifesaving wire strike protection system; radically new procurement strategies for the AHIP Program; completion of the CH-47D Program on cost and on schedule; and the development of Aircraft Survivability Equipment.

During his career, the 1951 graduate of San Marcos AFB Army flight training served as an Army Aviator in Korea, Japan, Alaska, Vietnam, Germany, and CONUS, and directed Aviation Staffs at both AMC and HQDA.