The Far East District headquarters is scheduled to relocate from Seoul to Camp Humphreys next year, however some components of the district won’t be waiting until then. The motor pool section will relocate before the end of the year.
Construction on the district’s vehicle maintenance facility at Camp Humphreys is set to be complete and ready for occupancy by November. Kenneth Pickler, Transportation Branch Chief, said there are already three mechanics and one supervisor stationed at Camp Humphreys in preparation for the move.
Pickler has been a part of the district for almost 30 years. He initially came in Feb. 1989 to be the motor pool sergeant and 1st Sgt. He later retired from the Army in 1993 and a few months later he returned to work as a civilian in the same position.
As a part of the district for such a long time he witnessed plenty of changes throughout those three decades. When he first arrived at the district the motor pool was a wooden structure, but in 2001 the Department of Public Works made the decision to have the old building torn down due to wiring issues, and contracted a new facility to be built. Pickler said he is excited to move to Camp Humphreys so he and his team can utilize the brand new building.
“We’re getting a fantastic building, better than we’ve ever had,” said Pickler. “The new motor pool that we’re getting is a Class A facility, with drive through bays, latest technology, latest equipment, latest exhaust systems, a grease pit, which we have never had. It’s going to make life much better for our mechanics and for maintaining our equipment.”
Trying to mitigate potential problems throughout the move is one of Pickler’s priorities. His team have conducted rehearsal of concept drills for the past six months to help with the transition.
“We have 100% accountability for tools, test equipment, tool boxes, and all that stuff,” said Pickler. “So right now we’re working through the milestones and timelines, so what is actually going to occur to make sure the move happens as smooth as possible without loss of equipment.”
According to Pickler, there are a few Eighth Army units moving now and he’s waiting to review their after action comments so he can formulate a better plan based off their lessons learned.
“With moving, there will always be trials and tribulations and we will work through them,” said Pickler.
The relocation of the Far East District is a long term project and part of the Yongsan Relocation Plan.