Col. Teresa A. Schlosser relieved Col. Stephen H. Bales, as commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED), July 7 at a ceremony on U.S Army Garrison Yongsan, Republic of Korea.
The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Peter B. Andrysiak, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division.
Andrysiak highlighted several achievements during Col. Bales’ tenure including bringing the Yongsan Relocation Plan and Land Partnership Plan to a 77% completion rate, enabling the relocation to Camp Humphreys of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea headquarters, Eighth Army headquarters and delivering the largest dental clinic in the Department of Defense.
“He has been an exceptional commander and has managed the pressures of command magnificently as a Soldier, statesman, and I would also say as the CEO of a multi-billion dollar business,” said Andrysiak. “He embodies what we look for in strategic leaders in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”
Bales, in his farewell remarks, recognized all district employees for supporting him throughout the last two years.
“To the leaders and employees of the Far East District I want to say thank you,” said Bales. “Each one of you in your own unique way has made the last two years memorable. I will never forget the fabulous opportunity, privilege and honor I was blessed with to serve as your commander.”
Bales departs for Winchester, Virginia where he will be the commander of the Middle East District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Schlosser arrived at the Far East District after serving as the United States Forces Korea deputy engineer. During her remarks she thanked Brig. Gen. Andrysiak and Col. Bales for the warm welcome to the Pacific Ocean Division and the Far East District and looked forward to her time as commander.
“I felt completely welcomed by everyone in the district and am eager to become part of this incredible organization,” said Schlosser. “The Far East District has an amazing 60-year history here in the Republic of Korea and everyone in the district is adding to that every day. They continue to build a multi-billion dollar program on the peninsula and somehow make it look easy.”
The Far East District is one of four districts within the Pacific Ocean Division and one of 45 districts in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea and is the premier engineering, design, and construction agent for all Department of Defense agencies in the Republic of Korea. With a workforce of about 500 Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians, and Korean employees the Far East District contributes significantly to the peace and security in the Pacific region through the execution of a multi-billion dollar construction program for U.S. Forces in the Republic of Korea - worldwide, it is the largest construction program managed by the U.S. Army.