Transatlantic Division

Middle East District Shines with Army Star Safety Award

Shannon Moeck — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:57:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District celebrated its achievement as the fifth USACE district to earn the Army’s highest safety recognition, the Army Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Star, during a ceremony in Winchester, Va. on Tuesday.

It Takes a District to Earn USACE’s Highest Safety Honor

Shannon Moeck — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:17:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District earned the 2024 Chief of Engineers Safety Award of Excellence for its outstanding safety culture and performance. Led by Chief of Safety Vanessa Matheny, the District’s success reflects years of sustained effort, leadership commitment, and collaboration across teams and partners. From field inspections in high-risk environments to proactive hazard prevention and real-time safety training, the District integrates safety into every aspect of operations, ensuring mission success while keeping people safe.

USACE realigns division oversight in the Middle East, reinforces its role as the Force Behind the Force for CENTCOM and SOCOM

Catherine Carroll — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:37:54 GMT

In a ceremony steeped in history and symbolic of strategic continuity, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially transitioned oversight of its critical mission in support of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command from the Transatlantic Division to the Southwestern Division on Aug. 5, 2025.

The Middle East District awarded Contract for facilities in Israel

Press Operations — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:21:38 GMT

The Middle East District awarded a Firm Fixed Price Construction Contract on July 31, 2025, to

Quality Data Builds Quality Projects

Joe Macri — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:33:12 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently introduced Engineering Quality Risk Indicators (EQRIs) to help project teams identify and address risks throughout both design and construction phases. Rather than replacing existing regulations, EQRIs offer a structured way to evaluate whether quality processes are being followed and if teams have the tools and skills to succeed. Feedback and honest responses from team members are central to improving project outcomes across the board.

Speaking of History

Catherine Carroll — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:31:41 GMT

In celebration of the 250th birthdays of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the USACE Transatlantic Division hosted Maj. Gen. David C. Hill, Commandant of the U.S. Army War College and former Transatlantic Division commander, as the keynote speaker for a special commemorative event held June 11 at the division headquarters.

No Explosives, No Problem, Sapper Training Provides Tactical Skills and Strategic Mindset

Joe Macri — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:50:00 GMT

Lieutenant Colonel Donald Lew, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, exemplifies how the Sapper spirit endures beyond the battlefield. A combat engineer with a distinguished military career, Lew now helps deliver critical infrastructure in support of U.S. and partner nation defense efforts across the Middle East. As USACE celebrates 250 years of engineering excellence, Lew’s journey underscores the strategic value of combining military leadership with the deep expertise of a civilian workforce, building not just structures but lasting global partnerships.

The Legacy of America's Engineers in the Middle East

Catherine Carroll — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:55:56 GMT

Legacy is not about what is built. It is about what endures. For 250 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has shaped the nation’s strength through engineering. Every district, division, and mission contributes to that legacy, supporting the U.S. Army, serving the public, and building the foundations that carry us forward.

USACE Employee Awarded for Adding Value to Projects

Joe Macri — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:32:00 GMT

Dale Hartmann, works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, received the 2025 Distinguished Service in Government Award for his advocacy of value engineering (VE). Hartmann’s leadership in the Center of Standardization for Nonpermanent Facilities (COS) resulted in over $20 million in savings, demonstrating the impact of VE in optimizing performance and resources through innovative solutions.

Middle East District Employees Answer the “Essayons” Call

Joe Macri — Tue, 27 May 2025 13:22:44 GMT

Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District primarily supports military construction in the Middle East, several employees recently volunteered to assist with domestic disaster response missions, including wildfires in Hawaii and California and flooding in North Carolina. Guided by the Corps motto, Essayons—“Let Us Try”—team members provided critical support ranging from contracting and quality assurance to GIS mapping. Their contributions helped restore devastated communities and gave employees a deeper connection to USACE’s broader mission. From rebuilding schools and homes to offering comfort to survivors, each volunteer made a lasting impact during a time of crisis.

The Middle East District awarded an Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Single Award Task Order Contract for General Architect-Engineer Construction Phase Support Services

Press Operations — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:15:03 GMT

The Middle East District awarded an Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Single Award

From Marine to Firefighter: Ken Kajihiro’s Commitment to Service

Shannon Moeck — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:08:26 GMT

Ken Kajihiro, a former U.S. Marine and current attorney with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, balances his demanding legal career with volunteer firefighting in Winchester, Virginia. Driven by a lifelong commitment to service, he completed rigorous fire academy training to serve on the front lines, finding renewed purpose and camaraderie through community service.

US Army Corps of Engineers delivers readiness capabilities in US Central Command

Catherine Carroll — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:41:18 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the force behind the force, delivering mission-critical infrastructure that sustains and strengthens military readiness in one of the most complex operational environments. Across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the Army Corps of Engineers designs and constructs facilities that enable U.S. forces to operate, train, and sustain mission readiness. A Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility, or TEMF, sets the standard for sustainment operations. A TEMF is a standardized facility designed to provide the U.S. Army with the necessary infrastructure to maintain, repair, and sustain its equipment.

Efficiency Drives New Offboarding Process at the Middle East District

Shannon Moeck — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:10:05 GMT

A conversation between two colleagues at the Middle East District led to the creation of an innovative online offboarding system. Mary Beth Murray and Marcie Piper developed the tool in mid-2024 using SharePoint and Power Automate to replace outdated, inefficient processes. Their collaboration improved accountability, reduced risk, and streamlined employee departures. The system’s success highlights how creative problem-solving and teamwork can drive impactful change across an organization.

USACE Project Oversight Part Art Part Science

Joe Macri — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:16:18 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Middle East District focuses on ensuring its projects are led by a healthy Project Delivery Team (PDT), which consists of trained professionals, is mission-focused, and demonstrates innovation and adaptability. Success is assessed through both hard data, such as schedules and budgets, and softer factors like communication and stakeholder management. Improvements in project quality have been achieved through the implementation of data quality review boards. COL Christopher Klein emphasizes the importance of leadership involvement, noting that sometimes saying "no" is necessary to ensure a successful, realistic project outcome rather than one that is expedited.

From Soldier to civilian: An Army engineer’s life-long dedication to those on the front lines

Catherine Carroll — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:48:42 GMT

Roger Vogler’s journey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one defined by dedication, experience, and a commitment to supporting Soldiers. Marking 40 years in federal service in February and celebrating 30 years as a licensed Professional Engineer, Vogler – a U.S. Army veteran – reflects on a career that has spanned both military and civilian service and made a lasting impact on the lives of warfighters on the front lines.

USACE Safety Program Made Me a True Believer

Joe Macri — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:03:21 GMT

In my 28-year federal career, first as an active-duty Air Force officer and then a Department of

How an Army Engineer is Making an Impact with USACE in CENTCOM

Catherine Carroll — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:02:22 GMT

In the ever-evolving operational landscape of the U.S. Central Command, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stands as a crucial force in strengthening infrastructure, enhancing security, and delivering the engineering support and services essential for sustained military and partner-nation success. For U.S. Army Sergeant Major Alan E. Thomas, Jr., a seasoned Army engineer and project manager currently serving with the Expeditionary District in Kuwait, the experience of working within USACE is proving to be a career defining experience.

USACE and Kuwait mission partners align on missile facility renovation

Catherine Carroll — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:57:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professionals recently joined Kuwaiti defense leaders and industry partners for a weeklong planning session focused on the renovation of the Kuwait Missile Assembly/Disassembly Facility. Held Jan.19-23, 2025, at the Al Hashemi Marine Museum in Kuwait City, the event brought together representatives from the USACE Kuwait Program Management Office, the U.S. Office of Military Cooperation – Kuwait, the Kuwait Air Defense, Kuwait Ministry of Defence Armament & Procurement Authority and Military Engineering Projects, and private industry partners. The goal of the session was to define the full scope of the renovation project and ensure alignment across all stakeholders, reinforcing Kuwait’s air defense capabilities and overall mission readiness.

USACE Breaks Ground on Warehouses for Kuwait’s legendary 35th Brigade

Catherine Carroll — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:54:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for a critical infrastructure project in Kuwait, Jan. 21. The $39.9 million initiative will deliver five multi-functional warehouses for Kuwait’s legendary 35th Armored Brigade, reinforcing USACE’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and building capacity for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense.