Colonel Christopher D. Klein assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, headquartered in Winchester, Va., on July 12, 2024. This District is responsible for providing engineering, construction, and related services in the Middle East, Central Asia, and other areas as required. Its work includes designing and constructing facilities for use by U.S. forces, performing engineering activities for other U.S. government and allied nation partners, and providing operations and maintenance services for various customers.
Prior to his current assignment, Klein served as commander of the Vicksburg District, where he was responsible for overseeing the district’s missions, including navigation, flood risk management, environmental stewardship, emergency operations, hydroelectric power, recreation, water supply, and support for others. This area spans 68,000 square miles across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, encompassing nine major river basins and approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees. The Vicksburg District is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.
Before moving to Vicksburg, Colonel Klein was in Springfield, Va., where he graduated from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Prior to serving as the Vicksburg District commander, he served as the Military Assistant to the Chief Management Officer, Department of Defense, from 2019 to 2021.
Colonel Klein commissioned in USACE in May 1999. His previous assignments include Platoon Leader of C Company, Executive Officer of A Company, Assistant S3, and Battalion S4, 14th Engineer Battalion (Corps)(Wheeled), Fort Lewis, Washington (2000-2004); S3 Plans Officer, Engineer Brigade and Plans Officer, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea (2004-2005); S1 and Detachment Commander, U.S. Army Alaska Special Troops Battalion, Detachment Commander, U.S. Army Alaska Headquarters, and Commander, C Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, then S3, 6th Engineer Battalion, and S3 Plans Officer, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Richardson, Alaska (2005-2011); Deputy Commander, USACE Middle East District, Winchester, Va. (2013-2016); and Battalion Commander, 46th Engineer Battalion, Fort Polk, Louisiana (2016-2018).
During his career, Colonel Klein served two tours in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and one tour as Aide-de-Camp to the Chief, Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Baghdad.
Colonel Klein’s military training includes Cold Weather Leader’s Course, Joint Engineer Operations Course, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (2), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (4), the Combat Action Badge, SCUBA badge, and Sapper Tab.
Colonel Klein holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from United States Military Academy, a Master of Science in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Science in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School. Additionally, he is a registered Project Management Professional.