The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ South Pacific Division welcomed its 53rd Commander, Col. Michael C. Wehr, as he took command on June 3 during a change of command ceremony at the Bay Model Regional Visitor Center in Sausalito, Calif. Wehr accepted the Division guidon from the Deputy Commander of the Corps of Engineers, Maj. Gen. Merdith “Bo” Temple, during the symbolic passing of the colors with Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Koontz and outgoing Division Commander Col. William Leady. Leady resumed command of the Sacramento District.
Established in 1888, the Division comprises one-fifth of the United States and is one of the Corps’ nine commands. It includes four operating districts headquartered in Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Francisco.
As Division Commander, Wehr is responsible for leading a professional workforce of more than 2,300 people. The Division manages a $1.17 billion military and a $400 million civil works program.
The region encompasses Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, Idaho and Texas.
Key missions include strengthening national security, supporting overseas contingency operations and managing the nation’s water resource infrastructure for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The Division team synchronizes Corps efforts with those of other federal, state and local agencies, the Army, the Air Force, the Administration and Congress to ensure the Corps provides exceptional support to military installations and civilian communities throughout the region.