Col. Stephen H. Bales relieved Col. Bryan S. Green, as commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED), July 24 on U.S Army Garrison Yongsan, Republic of Korea.
The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Milhorn, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division.
Milhorn highlighted several achievements during Col. Green’s tenure including the completion of the Osan Air Base second runway, the integration of unmanned assets to the district and the continuing partnership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Department of Defense Dependents (DoDDS) Schools Korea. He also spoke about the strong relationship between the US and the Republic of Korea.
“I want to highlight our unified commitment in building facilities throughout the Korean peninsula to deliver to all of our partners and stakeholders,” said Milhorn. “My sincere appreciation to all of them [partners and stakeholders] represented both by the ministry of National Defense-Defense Installation Agency (MND-DIA) and the Ministry of National Defense United States Forces Korea (USFK) Base Relocation Office.”
Green, in his farewell remarks, recognized all district employees for supporting him throughout the last two years.
“Best job I ever had,” said Green. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve loved every minute of it and you’ve supported us the whole way. I hope I was able to give as much as you all gave me.”
Green departs for Vicksburg, Mississippi where he will be the commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers - Engineer Research & Development Center.
Bales arrived in Korea after attending the United States Army War College at Carlisle barracks in Pennsylvania. During his remarks he said he is eager to be able to lead and serve with USACE, FED, USFK and our partners in the Republic of Korea (ROK).
“I am personally and professionally excited about the future of the construction program,” said Bales. “We have a $10.7 billion program at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys to deliver modern and sustainable facilities to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Department of Defense civilians, ROK counterparts and family members. I’m looking forward to working with our partners to deliver on our promises to both the United States and Republic of Korea to sustain and strengthen our alliance.”
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 more than 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.