ERDC held a change of command ceremony at ITL in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Sept. 10.
In this centuries old ceremony, the flag was first presented by ERDC Director Dr. Jeffery Holland, who passed the Corps colors to outgoing Acting Commander Lt. Col. John T. Tucker, who in turn passed the flag to USACE Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. Richard L. Stevens.
Col. Bryan S. Green accepted the flag from Stevens as he assumed command as ERDC’s ninth commander, before returning the flag to Holland to complete the change of command ceremony.
Stevens, deputy chief of engineers, gave the keynote address and recognized former Commander Jeffrey R. Eckstein, Green and Tucker for their leadership and dedication.
“This continuity of leadership represents a resolute commitment to the employees of this organization. Colonel Green brings a wealth of experience, values and leadership to this command, and as a leader in combat and in peacetime you have time and time again earned the loyalty and respect of those you served,” Stevens said.
Upon assuming command, Green recognized Tucker’s hard work and leadership during his command.
Tucker assumed command of ERDC in March 2015 when Eckstein retired. Prior to joining ERDC, Tucker was deputy commander of the Vicksburg District. Tucker will continue his career in ERDC’s Directorate of Public Works.
“My objective was to maintain the integrity of the command and to make ERDC better,” said Tucker. “I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Green thanked everyone at ERDC and in Vicksburg for the warm welcome and hospitality.
“It’s really great to be here. I cannot wait to help support all the employees and laboratories to make them successful. I see opportunities already in just the five to seven days that I have been here,” Green said.
Prior to arriving at ERDC, Green commanded the Corps’ Far East District in South Korea. As district engineer, he commanded the planning, engineering, design and construction management services supporting the U.S. Forces in the Republic of Korea, leading a 750-plus workforce with an overall program in excess of $15 billion. Prior to that assignment, Green completed command of the 4th Engineer Battalion (Vanguard) at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Green’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (three awards), the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Combat Action Badge.
The ERDC commander is responsible for site management and planning of the ERDC installations and oversees the Command Staff Division. In his role as ERDC executive director, he assists the ERDC director and deputy director in planning and executing research and development activities, with emphasis on identifying Warfighter requirements and providing liaison to districts, installations, and the Engineer Regiment.