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Afghanistan District welcomes Chief of Engineers

Part 1- Engaging with the District

Published April 1, 2019
LTG Todd T. Semonite, USACE Chief of Engineers speaks to the Afghanistan District team members following a group photo in front of the iconic District T-Wall.
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LTG Todd T. Semonite, USACE Chief of Engineers speaks to the Afghanistan District team members following a group photo in front of the iconic District T-Wall.

Afghanistan District Commander, Jason Kelly goes over the 90-day plan and overview of the more than $1B program in place in theater, with Chief of Engineers LTG Todd T. Semonite during a recent visit to the District.
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Afghanistan District Commander, Jason Kelly goes over the 90-day plan and overview of the more than $1B program in place in theater, with Chief of Engineers LTG Todd T. Semonite during a recent visit to the District.

The 54th Chief of Engineers, USACE speaks with all the volunteers, civilian and military who are currently deployed with the Afghanistan District, thanking them for their selfless service and reminding them of the important mission USACE has in Afghanistan in building the infrastructure.
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The 54th Chief of Engineers, USACE speaks with all the volunteers, civilian and military who are currently deployed with the Afghanistan District, thanking them for their selfless service and reminding them of the important mission USACE has in Afghanistan in building the infrastructure.

LTG Todd T. Semonite engages in a conversation with Afghanistan District Commander Jason Kelly during his visit in theater, while others in the district overview meeting look on.
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LTG Todd T. Semonite engages in a conversation with Afghanistan District Commander Jason Kelly during his visit in theater, while others in the district overview meeting look on.

LTG Todd T. Semonite, 54th Chief of Engineers listens to a member from one of the Afghanistan Districts Platform Delivery Projects as he communicates through virtual means.
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LTG Todd T. Semonite, 54th Chief of Engineers listens to a member from one of the Afghanistan Districts Platform Delivery Projects as he communicates through virtual means.

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(This is the first article in a five-part series on the 54th Chief of Engineers’ visit to the Transatlantic Afghanistan District)

The 54th Chief of Engineers and USACE Commanding General, along with USACE Command Sergeant Major finished a flawless visit with the Transatlantic Afghanistan District closing out the month of March and the second quarter of the fiscal year.

Lieutenant General Todd T. Semonite and Command Sergeant Major Bradley J. Houston spent more than 48 hours in theater engaging with the Senior Leaders and Staff from the USACE Afghanistan District, the Huntsville Center, 553rd Forward Engineer Support Team-Advance, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan-Combined Joint Engineers, (CJENG)  Resolute Support CJENG, U S Forces Afghanistan  JENG, and elements of the 20th Engineer Brigade, currently the USARCENT Theater Engineer Brigade, to gain situational awareness.

Once on the Bagram Airfield the team headed right into orientation briefs which included Operations updates at the USFOR-A headquarters via Virtual Teleconferencing with General Miller and all Train, Advise, Assist Commands/Task Forces, followed by a USACE District overview, then a 20th Engineer Brigade and CSTC-A overview.

The first day also consisted of visits with the tactical troops from the 264th Engineer and 801st Engineer Companies.

According to Col. Jason Kelly, Afghanistan District commander it was an excellent visit with LTG Todd Semonite and CSM Houston. Though visits to each of the districts’ project delivery platforms weren’t possible, all were included through the use of Virtual Teleconferencing.

Part of the District’s overview included the program estimated at just over $1B with 90 projects being executed, 45 of those in construction and 16 in the pre-award phase, looking at an additional 29 in the future. The timely delivery and maintenance of infrastructure in support of the Afghan National Defense Security Forces, along with security upgrades to support our U S Forces-Afghanistan, and the Afghanistan National Power Transmission and Distribution facilitation has the district “Delivering the Program”.

Part II- Connecting with engineers across Bagram at a Town Hall-


huntsville center
CSTC-A
USACE
USACE Afghanistan
553rd FEST
RS CJENG
USFOR-A JENG

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division serves as USACE’s tip of the spear in one of the most dynamic construction environments in the world, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, BUILDING CAPACITY, and ENHANCING SECURITY for our nation, allies, and partners. 

We deliver agile, responsive, and innovative, design, construction, engineering and contingency solutions in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other global partners to advance national security interests.

Transatlantic Division News

  • April

    Male civilian engineer stands in front of a structure on a runway that is under construction.

    Expertise at the Front: How USACE Experience Powers U.S. Army Success

    In the vast, dynamic landscape of the U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility, the success of the U.S. Army's mission is intricately linked to the infrastructure that supports it. For more than 70 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has played a crucial role in providing the critical engineering, design, and construction expertise that ensures operational readiness and resilience across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Levant. The Transatlantic Expeditionary District, as USACE's only forward deployed district in support of contingency operations, continues this legacy by being the sharpest tip of the spear, strengthening partnerships, building capacity, and enhancing security for our nation, allies, and partners.
  • U.S. Army command sergeant major speaking to group of Soldiers.

    Empowering the Future: USACE Division CSM Visits U.S. Army Engineers in Kuwait

    In a significant event aimed at fostering professional growth among U.S. Army Engineer Regiment Soldiers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse held an open forum discussion with active duty and reserve component engineer Soldiers deployed to Kuwait. The engagement offered a platform for non-commissioned officers to engage directly with one of USACE’s division level senior enlisted leaders, exploring the pivotal role of engineers in achieving Army objectives and the value of mentorship and professional development within the NCO ranks.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander (center), along with district engineers and the regional safety chief, discuss ongoing progress during a site visit at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Apr. 8, to review the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair project, demonstrating USACE’s dedication to maintaining operational excellence and ensuring project success.

    Building Resilience and Respect: USACE’s Role in Sustaining Military Capacity at Camp Buehring During Ramadan

    Strategic Infrastructure is crucial for sustaining military capability, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in ensuring its effectiveness. As a part of monthly rotational site visit engagements, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, USACE Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, along with a team of district engineers and the district Safety chief, traveled to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to review two key projects: the Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair projects. These engagements exemplify USACE's commitment to operational excellence and project oversight.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary commander (left), along with Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., USACE Transatlantic Division commanding general (right), discuss infrastructure projects at a meeting in Iraq, Sept. 15, showcasing the leadership and commitment that drive USACE's efforts in advancing infrastructure developments across the U.S. Central Command region, including Kuwait. (U.S. Army Photo by Richard Rzepka)

    USACE Strengthens Partnership for Global Infrastructure in Kuwait

    In a significant meeting held on March 17, at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, and Viet Nguyen, Expeditionary District deputy district engineer, engaged in strategic discussions with The U.S. Ambassador and the Economic Counselor from the American Embassy in Kuwait. The engagement centered around enhancing the role of USACE in the context of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, PGII, and its implications for U.S. and allied economic and national security interests.

  • March

    photo of Zenovia D. Wilcox, a senior program manager and Army Corps civilian

    USACE Transatlantic Division employee embarks on Army Coaching Program journey

    A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division employee is undertaking an intense talent management program in order to help fellow employees in their careers; the first employee in the organization to do so.

  • February

    U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commanding general (center rear), accompanies U.S. Army Col. Philip M. Secrist III, Transatlantic Middle East District commander (far left), Jim M. Sindle, U.S. Consul General for the U.S. Consulate General Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (center left), U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general (center right), along with Middle East District program managers and professionals view ongoing project sites and discuss and evaluate USACE’s role as the 'partner of choice' in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility during a recent series of engagements and project site visits with U.S. military and allied nation mission partners across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jan 24. Understanding the complex and dynamic engineering, design, and construction program and the strategic impact of the USACE mission, programs, and projects is essential for leadership and mission partners and underscores the Transatlantic Division’s commitment to building capacity and enhancing security solidifying its pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the CENTCOM AOR.

    USACE Transatlantic Division: Setting Extraordinary Standards as ‘Partner of Choice’ in CENTCOM AOR

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division stands as a pivotal force in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. Since the 1950s, the Division has actively shaped the landscape of engineering, design, and construction across the Middle East. Transforming from its initial focus on basic military construction, the Division now leads sophisticated, large-scale infrastructure projects, demonstrating a deep commitment to building capacity and enhancing security in the region. By setting and consistently upholding extraordinary operational standards, it has established itself as the ‘partner of choice.’

  • January

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the Oath of Office to U.S. Army Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, during Hannan's promotion ceremony to Brigadier General, Jan. 16, in Winchester, Virginia.

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Commander Promoted to Brigadier General

    Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during a ceremony here Jan. 16.

  • October

    U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander (left), speaks with Army Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse, Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division senior enlisted advisor (right), near Erbil Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 19. (U.S. Army photo by Rick Rzepka, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District public affairs office)

    On Solid Ground: Army Values are the Foundation of USACE Transatlantic Division’s Mission

    With a history of more than 70 years in the region, the Transatlantic Division oversees more than $5 billion in projects including military construction programs, force protection innovations, and security cooperation initiatives, strengthening Army readiness, enhancing vital infrastructure, and deepening global partnerships. Each action reinforces the Army's unwavering commitment to its service members and global partners.
  • Photo of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District Falcon 5/F-15QA Beddown facilities and infrastructure project, Qatar, Oct. 19. (U.S. Army photo by Catherine Carroll, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division public affairs office)

    USACE Innovation: The Key to 'Building Strong' in the CENTCOM AOR

    For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, innovation is the essential energy that drives success. From the initial development phase of a project, through the design and construction, and well into the operational phase, innovation drives the relentless pursuit of excellence, supporting sustainable strategies and fostering the development of long-lasting, reliable solutions.

  • September

    reviewing the locations of the Temporary Debris Management Sites on the island of Guam

    USACE Transatlantic Division supports Typhoon Mawar disaster relief

    A staff member assigned to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division was activated and sent to Guam from June until July to assist FEMA, federal partners and territorial officials’ response to the typhoon which caused significant impacts to essential services throughout portions of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, including water, energy and transportation.