VICKSBURG, Miss.— A new commander joined the leadership of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).
ERDC welcomed Lt. Col. Joshua Haynes as its 13th commander during the Change of Command Ceremony on July 15, in the ERDC Headquarters Building. Haynes replaces outgoing Commander Col. Dr. Christian Patterson, who leaves ERDC after six years of service, three of which he served as commander.
Before joining ERDC leadership, Haynes served as deputy commander of the Fort Worth District. Some of Haynes past assignments include serving as the Forward Project Manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Division, Middle East District; executive officer, headquarters and headquarters battalion, battalion operations officer, and facilities engineer for the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and brigade operations officer for the 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, to name a few.
Some of Haynes' military awards and decorations include a Bronze Star medal with three oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and Army Achievement Medal with an oak leaf cluster. Haynes also won the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign with three stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with one star, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Army Parachute Badge. His operational deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Haynes said he is inspired by this new role, as it allows him to help lead one of the Army’s premier organizations.
“It is an honor to stand before you and accept the responsibility of commanding ERDC,” said Haynes. “This organization represents the best that the Army can do when science, service and engineering come together. ERDC is a pioneer of progress, working across disciplines and borders to solve complex challenges that face our nation. ERDC is the cornerstone of Army innovation, so it is both humbling and inspiring to take this role.”
Leading with integrity and purpose and to further enhance ERDC’s storied legacy is a goal for Haynes during his time at ERDC.
“As your commander, I will listen, lead with integrity, and champion the incredible work that happens here every day. I strive to foster an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is encouraged, and every member of the team feels valued and empowered. As we look to the future, we will build upon ERDC’s proud legacy. We will continue to innovate boldly, deliver solutions decisively, and uphold our commitment to excellence because our nation expects it, and our soldiers deserve it.”
Haynes anticipates a promising tenure at ERDC and is proud to be part of the team.
“I’m excited for the road ahead and look forward to being a part of this remarkable team. Let’s continue to deliver the science and engineering that empowers the Army and protects our nation.”
As Haynes begins his tenure, he saluted Patterson on a job well done as ERDC’s 12th commander and applauded his leadership.
“Thank you, Col. Patterson, for your leadership and commitment to ERDC’s mission. You’ve advanced this organization during rapid change and growing complexity,” Haynes said. “Your impact will resonate long after today, and it’s an honor to follow in your footsteps.”
Praise was returned to Haynes by Patterson, as he ensured the ERDC team of Haynes' expertise in leadership. Patterson also expressed his honor to serve ERDC and thanked them for their excellent service.
“Josh is an accomplished and experienced officer,” said Patterson. “He’s a tremendous leader who is highly motivated to rally the team and achieve victory. To my ERDC family, serving you has been an honor and a pleasure. Thank you immensely for what you do.”
Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, deputy chief of engineers and deputy commanding general for USACE, and a longtime colleague of Haynes, spoke to her confidence in his future success as ERDC’s newest commander.
“We all look confidently forward to the future under your command,” said Colloton. “We entrust you to command here with that same integrity, compassion, and passion you demonstrated in all your previous assignments. You are here to ensure that you will help to deliver excellence today, tomorrow, and always. I couldn’t be prouder to see you assume this command today and be here with your family and friends.”
ERDC Director Dr. Beth Fleming acknowledged Patterson and Haynes, applauding Patterson for his years of ERDC service and anticipating sharing the agency’s helm with Haynes.
“Col. Patterson, we will deeply miss you and your positive influence on all of us,” said Fleming. “We thank you for everything that you have done. Lt. Col. Haynes joins a long history of military leaders at ERDC and its predecessors. Given our extensive military portfolio and the amount of effort ERDC dedicates to solving the toughest challenges facing the warfighter, it is only appropriate that we have a rich legacy of military leaders who help guide our organization and provide us with an important perspective. I look forward to working with Lt. Col. Haynes, as we lead ERDC to even greater success.”