Fayetteville Native Major General Phillip “Cain” Baker Takes Command of Army Aviation Center of Excellence

Fayette County has another reason to be proud as Major General Phillip “Cain” Baker recently assumed command of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, Alabama—placing a Georgian at the helm of the institution responsible for training and developing the future of Army Aviation.

Major General Baker assumed command from Major General Clair Gill during a change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Museum on August 26, 2026. The ceremony was hosted by Lieutenant General James P. Isenhower III, commanding general of U.S. Army Combined Arms Command.

A graduate of Fayette County High School and Auburn University, Baker was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Aviation Branch in 1996. During three decades of service, he has built an extraordinary record of leadership in both combat and institutional assignments.

His career has included service with some of the Army’s most storied formations, including the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 1st Cavalry Division. Baker deployed in support of operations in Kosovo, participated in the initial invasion of Iraq, and later conducted combat operations in Afghanistan. His command assignments have included the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment and the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

Baker later served at the highest levels of the Department of Defense as Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense from 2018 to 2021 and subsequently as Deputy Commanding General for Support of the 25th Infantry Division.

Most recently, Baker helped shape the future of Army Aviation through his leadership of the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team and as the Army Aviation Future Capability Director. In those positions, he oversaw requirements and modernization efforts involving the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, launched effects, tactical uncrewed aircraft systems and other capabilities critical to the future battlefield.

That combination of combat leadership and modernization experience makes Baker particularly well suited to lead the Army Aviation Center of Excellence at a time of significant technological and operational change. Outgoing commander Major General Gill specifically noted Baker’s familiarity with the mission through his work advancing future vertical lift capabilities and expressed confidence in his leadership.

As he took command, Baker emphasized that Army Aviation is about more than aircraft. The wings worn by Army aviators, he said, represent “a standard,” professionalism, competence, and the determination required to win on the battlefield.

For those of us in Fayette County and across Georgia, Major General Cain Baker’s selection for this important command is a tremendous source of pride. From Fayetteville to combat operations around the world and now to the leadership of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence, his career represents the very best traditions of service, leadership and commitment to our nation.

We congratulate Major General Baker and his family on this tremendous achievement and wish him continued success as he leads Army Aviation into its next chapter.