Joel Padilla, project manager, Central Area Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District, takes his civilian oath of office on April 22, 2026. Padilla participated in the SkillBridge in 2025 while stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, as an engineering officer. Following his participation in the program, Padilla was hired as a project manager for the $160 million Korea Air and Space Operations Center (KAOC) project at Osan Air Base. (U.S. Army photo by Yi, Ki Ho)

Larry Estrada, deputy district counsel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District, poses at his desk, expertly navigating the complexities of legal contracts and procurement. With over 30 years of legal expertise, Larry brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his role at the Far East District. (U.S. Army photo by Yohan An)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Staff Sgt. Kidam Paik, a former SkillBridge Program intern at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer – Far East District studied road surveillance and traffic-related systems in the U.S. prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army as a 11B or an Infantry Man. Paik’s ambition is to build road systems in low- and middle-income countries to improve their infrastructures. (U.S. Army photo by Monique Freemon)

Mr. Wang Hui-chan, Chief of the Cost Engineering Branch for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED), earned the Silver Order of the de Fleury Medal presented by Brig. Gen. Joseph “Clete” Goetz II, commander of USACE Pacific Ocean, April 14, 2026. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional 43 years of service, marked by his expertise in cost engineering and leadership on key projects that strengthened the engineering partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea. Mr. Wang's retirement this April concludes an extraordinary career of excellence and dedication. The de Fleury Medal, an award of the U.S. Army Engineer Association, was named in honor of François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, a French Engineer in the Continental Army. (U.S. Army photo by Yi Ki-ho)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District, U.S. Army Garrison – Daegu, Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense – Defense Installations Agency, and other representatives kicked off construction of the Consolidated Fire and Military Police Station with a First Strike Ceremony at Camp Walker, South Korea, on April 16, 2026. Participants included Brig. Gen. Joseph C. “Clete” Goetz, commander, USACE Pacific Ocean Division; Col. Jeremiah J. Willis, commander, USACE FED; Col. Jeffery D. Noll, commander, USAG Daegu; and others. The contractor followed the event with a traditional Korean ceremony for safe execution of the project. (U.S. Army photo by Rachel Napolitan)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District (USACE FED) hosted its annual Industry Day and Quality Symposium April 7–8, 2026, in Suwon, South Korea. In partnership with the Public Procurement Service (PPS) and the 411th Contracting Support Battalion (CSB), the first day focused on contracting and construction, while the second day emphasized engineering and quality. Pictured, Sonya Sharp, Chief of Business Oversight Branch, USACE FED, briefs the audience on contract requirements, how to look for opportunities in System Award Management (SAM) and Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) and review contracting policy highlights. (U.S. Army photo by Monique Freemon)