Col. Christopher W. Crary becomes 37th Commander of the Far East District

Far East District
Published July 25, 2019
Col. Christopher Crary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) commander, passes the district colors to Richard Byrd, deputy district engineer, during a change of command ceremony held at River Bend Golf Course, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 24.

Col. Christopher Crary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) commander, passes the district colors to Richard Byrd, deputy district engineer, during a change of command ceremony held at River Bend Golf Course, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 24.

Col. Christopher Crary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) commander, passes the district colors to Richard Byrd, deputy district engineer, during a change of command ceremony held at River Bend Golf Course, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 24.

Richard Byrd (center), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) deputy district engineer, prepares to pass the district colors to commemorate Col. Teresa Schlosser relinquishing command to Col. Christopher Crary (left), USACE FED commander, during a change of command ceremony held at River Bend Golf Course, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 24. Also pictured is Brig. Gen. Thomas Tickner, USACE Pacific Ocean Division commander, who presented awards and offered remarks during the day's festivities.

Col. Christopher W. Crary relieved Col. Teresa A. Schlosser, as commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED), July 24 at a ceremony on U.S Army Garrison Humphreys, Republic of Korea.

The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Tickner, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division.

Tickner highlighted several achievements during Col. Schlosser’s tenure which included completing 181 construction projects, valued at over $4.5 billion dollars and 97 design projects valued at over $138 million dollars. Among these projects were the $64 million dollar Eighth Army headquarters, the $300 million dollar Osan Air Base second runway and significant upgrades to USFK’s training areas and ranges.

Tickner reflected on the past two years and thanked Col. Schlosser for all her hard work.

“It has been an honor to serve alongside such an inspirational leader who cares so much about her team and mission,” said Tickner. “You have a great future ahead of you as you head to Vicksburg.  ERDC [U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center] will be lucky to have such a committed leader.”

Schlosser, in her farewell remarks, reflected on the history that was made during her time at FED. From moving the FED headquarters from its Seoul location to Camp Humphreys to the hope for peace on the peninsula through unforeseen summits and meetings at the Joint Security Area.

“But, even more important than the world history that was made, is the personal history I’ve been able to make here in FED,” said Schlosser. “I’ve had the honor and privilege of working with the best people in the world and will never forget any of you.”

Schlosser departs for Vicksburg, Mississippi where she will be the commander of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.

Crary arrived at the Far East District after serving at the Army War College and at the Pacific Command's Logistics, Engineering, and Security Cooperation Directorate. During his remarks he thanked Brig. Gen. Tickner, Col. Schlosser and the entire FED team for the warm welcome back to the Pacific Ocean Division, as he previously served as the Honolulu District commander.

“To the great members of the Far East District, thank you for the initial reception and the warm welcome you’ve extended to me in the transition process,” said Crary. “You belong to the greatest district in USACE that possesses superior leadership and an outstanding workforce with an impressive and distinguished history. Col. Schlosser has done a phenomenal job leading you. I look forward to being your commander and i am truly honored to be on your team and a member of the toughest, most versatile district in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”

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 at Camp Humphreys, 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 nearly 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.