HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A research physical scientist who helped to develop the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program in 2017 was recognized for his work with the USACE Castle Award in Aviation during the annual Geospatial Community of Practice meeting in April.
Ryan Strange accepted the honor during an informal presentation May 1 at the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville.
Award recipients are selected by their peers in the geospatial field in recognition of their significant contributions for advancing the use of UAS in the USACE enterprise.
Jason Kirkpatrick, USACE Aviation Integration program manager, said Strange’s passion for both aviation and the team is key to the program’s success.
“Ryan is a prolific team builder who understands something about aviation that a lot of people don’t: the crew concept,” said Kirkpatrick. “Even if you’re the lead pilot, it’s always about the team.”
Strange, “a rock star in USACE Aviation,” according to Victor Wilhelm Jr., Marine section chief for the USACE Japan Engineer District, is the first recipient of the Castle Award since 2019 when it was awarded to Matt Milliorn, Fort Worth District.
For more information about USACE Aviation, email HQAviation@usace.army.mil.