OMAHA, Neb. (July 8, 2020) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District welcomed its 36th commander today during a change of command ceremony at its downtown headquarters while following recommended CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Brig. Gen. Peter Helmlinger, USACE Northwest Division Commander, presided over the ceremony as a small gathering of family, friends and distinguished guests welcomed Col. Mark Himes to the Omaha district family.
“The over 1200 men and women of the Omaha District should be proud of their achievements and stand ready for what is next. I am thrilled to join the team for the new challenges that lie ahead,” said Himes.
Col. Himes expressed his excitement at coming back to the Omaha District since taking his first assignment with the Corps here ten years ago.
“It’s an extraordinary privilege and honor to assume command of this mighty district,” said Himes. “I look forward to serving with you all as we tackle the nation’s toughest engineering challenges,” he added.
Himes is a recent graduate of the U.S. Army War College in Carlyle Pennsylvania. In his previous assignment, Himes served as the Plans Branch Chief in the office of the Chief of Engineers on the Army Staff in the Pentagon.
Outgoing commander Col. John Hudson acknowledged the many accomplishments over past couple years amid the March 2019 flood event and the emerging pandemic and thanked senior leaders and district employees for their hard work and success.
“It is truly amazing to see what can be accomplished by a determined and dedicated workforce,” said Hudson. “I am confident that Omaha district will be there throughout this current pandemic ready and able to provide the engineering solutions we need to see us through this emergency,” he added.
After a distinguished 26 year career Col. Hudson will be retiring later this year.
The change of command ceremony is available to view on the district’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OmahaUSACE/