Col. James J. Handura assumed command of the US Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division in a ceremony held today at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito, Calif.

The ceremony was hosted by Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Handura assumed command from Col. Chad Caldwell, who currently serves as the Commander of the Sacramento District and has been serving as Acting Division Commander since August 30, 2023.

“Command of a division goes beyond accountability for projects, people, and money,” said Spellmon during the ceremony. “It’s about driving change, developing future leaders, and serving as guardians of the Corps’ reputation. COL Handura will serve as that guardian -- a leader who will develop solutions for the nation’s toughest challenges while taking care of people.” 

A native of Clearwater, Florida, Handura graduated in 1996 from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, and a commission in the Engineer Regiment. He holds a Master of Science in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Missouri-Rolla, a Master’s degree in Military Art and Science – Theater Operations from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is also certified Project Management Professional.

Prior to South Pacific Division, Handura served as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters in Washington, DC. Handura began his military service with the United States Navy Seabee Reserves, serving as a Utilitiesman from 1987 to 1989, at Bayboro Harbor, St. Petersburg, Florida. From 1989 to 1993, he served in the U.S. Army as an enlisted Combat Engineer, with the 82nd Engineer Battalion (Federal Republic of Germany) and the 20th Engineer Battalion (Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and later Ft. Hood, Texas).

Handura’s command assignments include Commander Sacramento District, USACE; Commander 19th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Deputy District Commander New Orleans District, USACE.

The South Pacific Division provides vital engineering solutions in collaboration with partners to secure the nation, energize the economy and reduce risk from disaster. South Pacific Division operates in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and in parts of Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Texas that includes 1,100 miles of coastline, 3.9 million acres of estuarine wetlands, 2,290 miles of federal levees and 46 dams and reservoirs.

As Commander of South Pacific Division, Handura oversees water resources, military construction, environmental stewardship and restoration and emergency management with a workforce of 2,500 civilians and military personnel in four districts across the 10 states.


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Engineer Regiment hosted a senior delegation of Brazilian Army engineer officers Nov. 13 to 16, for a wide-ranging tour as part of an ongoing military engineering partnership between the two nations.

The Brazilian delegation included Gen. Anisio David de Oliveira Jr., chief of the Brazilian Army Dept. of Engineering and Construction, Maj. Gen. Everton Pacheco da Silva, Brazilian military attaché in Washington, and other senior officers.

U.S. Army Engineer leaders escorted the delegation to the USACE Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) headquarters and USACE Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Mississippi; the U.S. Army Engineer School at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri; and the Pentagon and USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

A delegation of senior engineer leaders from the Brazilian Army visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division and ride an inspection barge along the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Nov. 13, 2023. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

“We were incredibly proud to host Gen. David and his team's visit with our engineer family. The relationship we share with our Brazilian counterparts is extremely important to us both,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, USACE deputy commanding general for military and international operations. “Our ongoing dialogue over many years enables us to explore new ideas to help each other to address existing and emerging environmental and climate risks, understand design and construction challenges, and share best practices for solving our nations’ toughest problems.”

While at MVD on Nov. 13, the delegation received a brief by the division’s commanding general, Brig. Gen. Kimberly A. Peeples, about the importance of the Mississippi Valley Division and its mission to serve the region by providing vital public engineering services and stewardship of water resource infrastructure, partnering in peace and war, strengthening the nation’s security, energizing the economy, and reducing risks from disasters.

A delegation of senior engineer leaders from the Brazilian Army meet with U.S. Army engineer leaders during a visit the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and U.S. Army Engineer School on Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Nov. 15, 2023. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

The delegation rode an inspection barge along the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, where they met the USACE Vicksburg District commander, Col. Christopher Klein, and learned about the Mat Sinking Unit (MSU). The MSU places hundreds of thousands of articulated concrete mats, also known as revetment, along the Mississippi River to protect flood control works, prevent riverbank erosion, and provide navigable waterways for commercial transportation. The unit’s work spans the jurisdictions of the Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans districts and more than 1,500 miles of river.

During their Nov. 14 visit to ERDC, the delegation received overviews of a variety of coastal, digital and geotechnical technology. They visited the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory for a presentation on the center’s ship simulator and physical river models. At the Information Technology Laboratory, they received more information about CAD/BIM technology, and at the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, they learned about ERDC research in the area of post blast forensics.

Leaders from the Brazilian Army and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers walk through the USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Nov. 16, 2023. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

At Ft. Leonard Wood on Nov. 15, the delegation met U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Ft. Leonard Wood. They learned about the U.S. Army Engineer School and even tried out bulldozer simulators. They visited the Contingency Basing Integration Training and Evaluation Center (CBITEC), which provides U.S. Army Prime Power School students with testing facilities throughout their year-long training program. They also visited combat engineer mine detection dogs and learned about their training program.

Ft. Leonard Wood is the home of the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment, which encompasses over a dozen engineer-related military occupational specialties and represents more than 80,000 uniformed personnel assigned to Engineer units across the active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve.

The visit concluded in Washington, D.C., Nov. 16, where the delegation visited the Pentagon, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. They were welcomed to the USACE headquarters by Colloton, who also joined them for dinner along with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William “Butch” Graham, deputy chief of engineers and USACE deputy commanding general, and other senior USACE leaders. The dinner also included a performance by the U.S. Army Band.

A delegation of senior engineer leaders from the Brazilian Army visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division and ride an inspection barge along the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Nov. 13, 2023. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

“The delegation was very impressed with how well they were received in all visits and especially at the dinner,” said Marcelo Salles, USACE South Atlantic Division’s international program manager, who accompanied the Brazilian leaders throughout the trip. “The Army Band was a great success.”

Regular visits between the Brazilian and U.S. armies’ chiefs of engineers began in 2006, along with other long-running initiatives to continually enhance engineering partnership and increase technical interoperability between the two armies.

Another key feature of the U.S.-Brazilian army engineer partnership is the ongoing Military Personnel Exchange Program, which started approximately 20 years ago. The current MPEP positions were established 10 years ago and include a Brazilian colonel at MVD’s division headquarters, a Brazilian colonel at ERDC, and a U.S. Army captain serving in the Brazilian Army’s 1st Engineer Group.

Tom Henry, power plant specialist, Keystone Powerhouse Tulsa District, Martin Doyle ASA Sr. advisor, and Mr. Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works discuss powerhouse topics while Mr. Connor toured the Keystone powerhouse during his Tulsa District visit in conjunction with regional governance week.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Michael Connor, visited Tulsa District October 17-18 as part of regional governance week where he met with Southwestern Division commanders as well as other key division personnel and district stakeholders. The visit was a chance for Connor to gain firsthand perspective on the projects and budget needs of the division.

The visit began with a question-and-answer style town hall with Tulsa District employees where Connor spoke about his priorities and how he combines environmental challenges with cutting costs while maximizing efforts with civil works funds.

“USACE is important to the communities we serve,” said Connor. “Your projects have a major impact on public safety as well as the economies of those communities.”

During the afternoon, Connor visit Keystone Lake powerhouse where Beau Biffle, Tulsa District hydropower chief and other powerhouse personnel gave an overview of various district powerhouse projects.
Connor was treated to a tour of the powerhouse and ended the day with Keystone Lake project office personnel showcasing projects at Brush Creek recreation area.

Following morning meetings with Choctaw and Chickasaw tribal leadership on Wednesday, Connor’s visit ended at the Tulsa/West Tulsa Levee area where he met with Todd Kilpatrick, commissioner, Tulsa County Drainage Levee District No. 12, and other key levee stakeholders. The visit underscored the importance of the levee for the surrounding communities it protects.

Beau Biffle, Tulsa District hydropower chief and Mr. Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works discuss powerhouse project during Mr. Connor’s to Keystone Powerhouse in conjunction with regional governance week visit to Tulsa District.

“Tulsa District was truly honored to host the Honorable Mr. Connor,” said Col. Tim Hudson, commander, Tulsa District. “His visit provided the opportunity to underscore the vital importance of our work and our great people.”

“We were proud to highlight our Civil Works projects which cover over 160,000 square miles and include water resources spanning across Oklahoma, the southern half of Kansas, and the Texas panhandle. His visit reminded us of the importance of our projects to the communities that we serve,” said Hudson.

The Transatlantic Expeditionary District gained a new senior leader Aug. 9 during an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. In a time-honored military tradition, Sgt. Maj. David Kluba assumed the roles and responsibilities of the district's senior enlisted advisor as the district's distinctive red and white colors were passed to him by Expeditionary District Commander Col. Mohammed Rahman, who said that he is encouraged that Kluba is now the custodian of the district's colors. (Photo by Richard Rzepka)
The Transatlantic Expeditionary District gained a new senior leader Aug. 9 during an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. In a time-honored military tradition, Sgt. Maj. David Kluba assumed the roles and responsibilities of the district's senior enlisted advisor as the district's distinctive red and white colors were passed to him by Expeditionary District Commander Col. Mohammed Rahman, who said that he is encouraged that Kluba is now the custodian of the district's colors. (Photo by Richard Rzepka)

The Transatlantic Expeditionary District gained a new senior leader Aug. 9 during an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

In a time-honored military tradition, Sgt. Maj. David Kluba assumed the roles and responsibilites of the district's senior enlisted advisor as the district's distinctive red and white colors were passed to him by Expeditionary District Commander Col. Mohammed Rahman, who said that he is encouraged that Kulba is now the custodian of the district's colors.

"Sergeant Maj. Kluba is going to add tremendous value to TAE," said Rahman. "With his excellent interpersonal skills, he is the right leader for our remarkable organization. He is bringing a wealth of knowledge from serving in many different organizations in many different capacities ... we are fortunate to have a seasoned leader like him."

Rahman called the passing of the colors a noble occassion. Transcending mere fabric and pigment, a unit's colors embody the essence of honor, unity and in the Expeditionary District's case, the continuation of a legacy of engineering excellence in the region.

The Transatlantic Expeditionary District gained a new senior leader Aug. 9 during an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. (Photo by Richard Rzepka)

After this symbolic exchange, Kluba emphasized his commitment to provide the highest level of support, guidance, professionalism to the Expeditionary team. As a principal advisor to the commander, Kluba said that he is resolved to help further strengthen partnerships and capacity that supports Soldiers, civilians and partner forces while prioritzing safety, quality of life and district morale in one of the most complex engineering environments in the world.

Kluba said that his faith in God and family have led him to this position and that without them he could not have made it to what the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy motto describes as "Ultima" -- latin for "final" or "the utmost" -- the culminating stages of leadership and responsibility for enlisted Soldiers in the Army.

"First of all I would like to thank God -- without him nothing would be available," said Kluba who then went on to thank his family. "Theresa, my kids ... Xavier, Sebastian, Jackson, Jacoby and Sara -- this is my third year away so you've held it down ... without you guys I wouldn't be here."

The Transatlantic Expeditionary District gained a new senior leader Aug. 9 during an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. In a time-honored military tradition, Sgt. Maj. David Kluba assumed the roles and responsibilities of the district's senior enlisted advisor as the district's distinctive red and white colors were passed to him by Expeditionary District Commander Col. Mohammed Rahman, who said that he is encouraged that Kluba is now the custodian of the district's colors. (Photo by Richard Rzepka)

Kluba also thanked Transatlantic Division leadership for placing special trust and confidence in Kluba's ability to lead a diverse formation of Soldiers and civilians from myriad districts and units across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Engineer Regiment.

Established May 15, 2021 from the merger of the Transatlantic Afghanistan District and Task Force Essayons, the Expeditionary District remains the only forward-deployed district in the #USACE inventory. Since its incept, the district has remained thoroughly engaged throughout the Central Command area of responsibility closing out hundreds of contracts; providing design, contracting, construction and quality assurance support to a multitude of projects and is responsible for the execution of programs valued at $1.5 billion with $700M in active projects.

Aug. 30 Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant relinquished command of the US Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division to Col. Chad Caldwell. The ceremony, hosted by the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers Maj. Gen. William Graham, was held at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito, Calif. Caldwell, who currently serves as the Commander of the Sacramento District, will serve as Acting Division Commander. (USACE image)
Aug. 30 Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant relinquished command of the US Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division to Col. Chad Caldwell. The ceremony, hosted by the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers Maj. Gen. William Graham, was held at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito, Calif. Caldwell, who currently serves as the Commander of the Sacramento District, will serve as Acting Division Commander. (USACE image)

Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant relinquished command of the US Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division to Col. Chad Caldwell.

The ceremony, hosted by the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers Maj. Gen. William Graham, was held at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito, Calif.

Caldwell, who currently serves as the Commander of the Sacramento District, will serve as Acting Division Commander until Brig. Gen. Kirk Gibbs takes command later this fall.

Brig. Gen. Gant will move on to Chicago to lead the Army Enterprise Marketing Office, the corporate marketing office for the United States Army.

Graham lauded Gant for her tireless efforts during her time with the Corps. “Toni, our loss today is the Army’s gain of a lifetime, and I couldn’t be prouder of you and how you’ve represented the Army and Engineer branch,” Graham shared. “Not just here at SPD, but in Albuquerque, Louisville, our Border District in Phoenix, and throughout your entire stellar career.”

Gant reflected on her time South Pacific Division as one of rising to the occasion no matter the obstacle.

“There have been peaks and valleys but one thing that has never waivered is our steadfast joy as a division for the work we do,” Gant said. “The countless challenges that we turned into opportunities each time we were hit with an obstacle. I am very proud of the work we have done collectively and there is no other place I would have wanted to be.”  

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division provides vital engineering solutions in collaboration with partners to secure the nation, energize the economy and reduce risk from disaster. South Pacific Division operates in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and in parts of Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Texas that includes 1,100 miles of coastline, 3.9 million acres of estuarine wetlands, 2,290 miles of federal levees and 46 dams and reservoirs. Most recently, South Pacific Division responded to the COVID-19 pandemic working with partner agencies to establish eight alternate care facilities across eight states.

As Acting Commander of South Pacific Division, Caldwell oversees water resources, military construction, environmental stewardship and restoration and emergency management with a workforce of 2,500 civilians and military personnel in four districts across the 10 states.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Quander tours U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, during a site visit Aug. 25, 2023. (USACE photo by Katie Newton)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Quander tours U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, during a site visit Aug. 25, 2023. (USACE photo by Katie Newton)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Quander visited Scott Air Force Base in Illinois Aug. 25, 2023, to see first-hand how the Louisville District is delivering key projects for the United States Air Force.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District has a long-standing partnership with Scott Air Force Base and has been constructing facilities there for more than 35 years as part of the district’s Military Construction Program. Currently, the Louisville District has three critical projects under construction on base totaling approximately $300 million.

Quander was able to visit those three projects during his visit. Among the projects toured was the Joint Operations and Mission Planning Center project—a 171,727 square foot facility that will house three Air Mobility Command units and one U.S. Transportation Command unit.

“Construction is nearly 70 percent complete with most of the work now focused on interior efforts,” said Jesse White, Project Engineer for the JOMPC project. “Expected completion is spring of 2024.”

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Quander tours U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, during a site visit Aug. 25, 2023. (USACE photo by Katie Newton)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Quander tours U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, during a site visit Aug. 25, 2023. (USACE photo by Katie Newton)

Quander was also able to tour the ongoing renovation of Building 1600, known as the Air Mobility Command Headquarters. The $139 million project includes the complete interior and exterior renovation of the 314,000 square-feet facility.

“There are some challenges here, but it’s clear there is awesome people doing great work,” said Quander. “You’ve got a tremendous team here at Scott, and in Louisville. I just really, really appreciate how you’re navigating complexity, and it’s clear that everybody is all in to deliver these very critical projects for a customer who has a pretty significant national security interest for our country.”

Quander’s visit also provided Louisville District Commander Col. L. Reyn Mann with an opportunity to make her initial visit to the base. Mann, who assumed command of the Louisville District July 27, was anxious to see the district’s projects first-hand, and to meet the team on the ground.

“This is General Quander’s first visit and he’s coming here to Scott, so that’s how important you guys are,” said Mann to the Scott AFB Resident Office staff. “It was just great to spend time with our senior leaders today and to show them the projects.”

During the visit Brig. Gen. Quander recognized four project engineers for their contributions to the highly complex projects. Employees recognized were: Joel Switzer, Nolan Robben, Casey Spencer and Garrett Huff.

“This visit is great for our team,” said Brad Epplin, Scott AFB Resident Engineer. “It boosts morale and shows that Louisville and the entire region has our back and supports our projects and our mission here at Scott Air Force Base.” Epplin leads the team of 22 employees who makeup the Scott AFB Resident Office as they provide construction oversight and quality assurance for ongoing and planned projects on base.

“I have a lot of confidence in this team out here. You all are all over it,” said Mr. Joseph Savage, Programs Director for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division. “Louisville team: you guys are consistent winners in terms of program and project delivery.”

U.S. Army Colonel Calvin A. Kroeger assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, during an Assumption of Command ceremony, Aug. 3, 2023, at the Fort Worth Club. Kroeger took command from Maj. Joshua Haynes, who led the district since June 2023. Haynes will return to his assignment as the deputy commander of the Fort Worth District.  (USACE photo)
U.S. Army Colonel Calvin A. Kroeger assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, during an Assumption of Command ceremony, Aug. 3, 2023, at the Fort Worth Club. Kroeger took command from Maj. Joshua Haynes, who led the district since June 2023. (USACE photo)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, held an assumption of command ceremony for incoming commander, Col. Calvin A. Kroeger, before a packed room, Aug. 3, 2023, at the Fort Worth Club.

During the ceremony, the district flag, or colors as they are known, were passed from the deputy district engineer, Arnold “Rob” Newman, to the officiating officer, Col. James “Brooks” M. Schultze, deputy commander of the Southwestern Division. Schultze then presented the colors, which symbolized the transfer of command, to Kroeger.

Kroeger returned the colors to Newman, his senior civilian advisor, to complete a traditional act with roots to the Army’s first Manual of Ceremonies, known as The Blue Book, written in 1779.

Distinguished guests for the ceremony included Kroeger’s family and invited friends, joined by Congressman Marc Veasey, Texas 33rd District, other members of congressional staff within the region, local elected leaders, former district commanders and commanders of other districts within the Southwestern Division, and stakeholders from the many projects that the Fort Worth District manages.

Kroeger assumed command of the district from Col. Paul B. Culberson and Maj. Joshua M. Haynes, who had led the district through several transitional periods since December 2022. Haynes returned to his assignment as the deputy commander of the Fort Worth District.

In his remarks, Schultze thanked Haynes for his leadership and for holding down two jobs as the district's deputy commander, and as the acting commander.

“Josh, along with other senior district leaders, have all served in an exemplary manner to keep the district’s missions on track,” Schultze said. “We’re all very appreciative of their steady leadership.”

Schultze went on to welcome Kroeger, saying that being selected to command doesn't just happen by accident.

“The right candidate is a leader of high integrity, that lives the Army Values, and has also demonstrated proficiency as a consummate team-builder, communicator, strategist, life-long learner, along with a vast work ethic,” Schultze said. “Cal, you have proven accomplishments in all these roles - and you are the right leader for command of this vitally important district.”

As commander of the district, Kroeger will manage a team of more than 1200 military and civilian engineering and services professionals, at one of the Corps of Engineers’ largest military construction programs on Army and Air Force installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana.

He will also supervise the operation and maintenance of the district’s 25 lakes and reservoirs, which furnish approximately 30 percent of the state’s surface water supply and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for millions of visitors annually.

This is not Kroeger’s first assignment in the state of Texas, as his very first military assignment more than 22 years ago was to Fort Cavazos.

“One thing that hasn’t changed is the hospitality of Texans, and the genuine welcome we’ve received here in Fort Worth,” said Kroeger.

“Many of you don’t know this, but our family adamantly selected Fort Worth District as our No. 1 preference for command above the 78 other opportunities across the Army,” Kroeger told the audience. “After being here only for a few days, I know we made the right choice, and we are truly humbled to be part of this amazing family of professionals.”

Kroeger closed out his comments with a promise to the district workforce.

“As your commander, I will not ask you to do anything which I will not roll up my sleeves and do alongside you to achieve success,” he said. “I am with you each step of the way as we deliver excellence for our partners and our communities. Essayons!”

To read Col. Kroeger’s full official biography, go to the Fort Worth District website: https://www.swf.usace.army.mil/About/Leadership/Article/3482146/calvin-a-kroeger/

In the time-honored tradition of passing the unit flag, Col. Kathryn P. Sanborn assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, here, Tuesday.

Sanborn replaces Col. Alexander “Xander” Bullock as the district’s 53rd commander. She joins the district after serving as the South Pacific Division’s deputy commander in San Francisco, California.

Colonel Kathryn P. Sanborn, commander of the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (U.S. Army photo)
Colonel Kathryn P. Sanborn, commander of the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (U.S. Army photo)

Col. Sanborn leads a team of 845 employees who undertake military construction in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon; and are responsible for an extensive civil works engineering and construction mission in Washington, Idaho and Montana. Seattle District’s programs also include preservation of historic structures, and hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste cleanup. Seattle District manages $1.1 billion dollars' worth of work annually.

“Now, more than ever, the nation needs a capable, competent, and trusted Corps of Engineers to serve the Army and the nation, and to collaborate with our federal, state and local governments, tribal, industry, non-government partners and academia, to solve the engineering and scientific challenges we're facing,” said Sanborn. 

“I am extraordinarily honored and excited for the opportunity to take command of Seattle District and work with this incredible team and our diverse stakeholders to deliver solutions to the toughest challenges and serve the Pacific Northwest communities,” she added.

Col. Sanborn is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic and Captain's Career Courses, Joint Engineer Operations Course, the Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. A licensed Professional Engineer in Vermont and a certified Project Management Professional, Col. Sanborn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from West Point, a Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Vermont, a Master of Science in Engineering Management and certificate in Construction Management with the University of Missouri-Rolla, a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College., and a doctorate in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Seattle District's mission is trifold: to provide engineering expertise and water resource stewardship, fulfill its commitments to its tribal partners, and deliver world-class solutions to protect and serve the Pacific Northwest. 

In addition to providing military and civil public works services and support for other agencies, the district plays a key role in environmental protection and improvement, from protecting wetlands to ecological restoration and cleaning up hazardous and toxic waste pollution. 

The district’s civil works boundaries encompass 99,000 square miles and contain 4,700 miles of shoreline. The boundaries include the Columbia River system upstream of the mouth of the Yakima River, much of eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Western Montana to the Continental Divide.

The attendees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division fourth quarter FY 2023 Regional Governance Meeting pose for a group photo outside the Huntsville Engineering Support Center in Huntsville, Alabama, July 27, 2023. The four-day meeting provided the attendees the opportunity to present topics for decision to the SAD commander and offered site visits to the various projects around Redstone Arsenal. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)
The attendees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division fourth quarter FY 2023 Regional Governance Meeting pose for a group photo outside the Huntsville Engineering Support Center in Huntsville, Alabama, July 27, 2023. The four-day meeting provided the attendees the opportunity to present topics for decision to the SAD commander and offered site visits to the various projects around Redstone Arsenal. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District hosted the 4th Quarter FY 2023 USACE South Atlantic Division Regional Governance meeting at the USACE Huntsville Engineering and Support Center in Alabama.

The four-day meeting provided an opportunity for district commanders, deputy for programs and project management and other staff to present topics requiring decisions from the SAD commanding general.

Brigadier Gen. Daniel Hibner, USACE South Atlantic Division commander, said the RGM is the place where decisions impact the division and the region are made to ensure the success of projects and the districts.

“Our regional governance provides the venue for regional decisions to be made, particularly decisions impacting balancing our workload to workforce,” Hibner said. “In terms of workload and workforce, what we have to do is align what we currently do, with what must do; and where we want to be, in order to achieve our goals in our program. We also need to meet our goals delivering quality projects, on time, within budget, safely and that is why we come together quarterly. It is to ensure we are winning.”

Brigadier Gen. Daniel Hibner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division commander, center, listens to a presentation by a of the district commander during the fourth quarter FY 2023 SAD Regional Governance Meeting at the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, July 25, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)
Brigadier Gen. Daniel Hibner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division commander, center, listens to a presentation by a of the district commander during the fourth quarter FY 2023 SAD Regional Governance Meeting at the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, July 25, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)

During the week, participants not only met to make decisions, but toured various project sites at the Redstone Arsenal.

Col. Jeremy Chapman, Mobile District commander, said the RGM and the site visits helped senior leaders see how important Redstone Arsenal is and helped them in prioritizing projects.

“I want to thank our partners across Redstone Arsenal that supported our site visits and educated our senior leaders on the strategic importance of Rocket City and the many commands that call the arsenal home,” Chapman said. “Our regional meeting assisted the division in prioritizing our heavy workload and cross-leveling projects to work as a team.

One of the visits on the tour was to the new USACE Huntsville Engineering and Support Center which is still under construction.

A construction contractor leads a tour of the new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville Engineering and Support Center building under construction at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, July 27, 2023. The new building is utilizing the Enhanced Use Lease Program, an innovative way for USACE leaders to complete projects. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)
A construction contractor leads a tour of the new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville Engineering and Support Center building under construction at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, July 27, 2023. The new building is utilizing the Enhanced Use Lease Program, an innovative way for USACE leaders to complete projects. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)

It is being built as an Enhanced Use Lease facility, one of the many innovative ways USACE can utilize in completing projects.

Col. Sebastian P. Joly, USACE Huntsville Engineering and Support Center commander, said he was glad senior leaders got the chance to tour their new facility and was also proud that they were able to showcase what Huntsville does by hosting the RGM.

“The tour of the new Enhanced Use Lease facility on Redstone Arsenal allowed SAD leaders to visualize the benefits of using an innovative approach in meeting an organization’s facility requirement, all under existing USACE real estate authorities,” Joly said. “The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, was honored to host leaders from across the South Atlantic Division. It afforded us the opportunity to highlight the valuable work that HNC performs in support our stakeholders across the nation, as well as the importance of maintaining rock solid partnerships with the geographic districts in delivering quality products.”

Col. Sebastian P. Joly, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hunstville Engineering and Support Center commander, right, discusses his new building project with Brigadier Gen. Daniel Hibner, South Atlantic Division commander, on the site of the new Engineering and Support Center’ building on Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala., July 27, 2023. The new headquarters is being built utilizing the Enhanced Use Lease Program, an innovative way for USACE leaders to get projects completed. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)
Col. Sebastian P. Joly, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hunstville Engineering and Support Center commander, right, discusses his new building project with Brigadier Gen. Daniel Hibner, South Atlantic Division commander, on the site of the new Engineering and Support Center’ building on Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala., July 27, 2023. The new headquarters is being built utilizing the Enhanced Use Lease Program, an innovative way for USACE leaders to get projects completed. (U.S. Army photo by Chuck Walker)

Hibner said he and the leaders from SAD were thankful to HNC for hosting the RGM.

“We are grateful to the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center for hosting us and giving us a tour to show us the specialized technical expertise, global engineering solutions, and cutting-edge innovations that support our national interests,” Hibner said.

Col. L. Reyn Mann assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District in a change of command ceremony held at the Henry Clay Building in Louisville, Kentucky, July 27, 2023. As commander of the Louisville District, Col. Mann will provide strategic direction, and command and control for the district’s $1 billion workload including civil, military, environmental and Interagency and International Services programs.

Col. L. Reyn Mann (Courtesy photo)

“I’m committed to giving you everything I have each day,” Mann said. “You have an outstanding reputation of delivering programs and quality projects on time and within budget. There are no words to describe how honored I am to join this winning team.”

Mann, a native of Fair Play, South Carolina, commissioned in the Engineer Branch May 27, 2000, upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Prior to joining the Louisville District, Mann served as the Headquarters G3, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington DC. In this assignment, she was responsible for operations, training and plans for the enterprise.

Mann’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge (Gold).

She is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri and has a Project Management Professional certification.

The Louisville District provides public works, engineering, construction, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, northern Tennessee, and Michigan. The district operates 17 flood control lakes and 9 locks and dams.

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