Task Fore Essayons Hq. Detachment changes command

Published April 11, 2019
Capt. Joe Marut, Col. Jim Riely and Capt. Andrea Taylor stand at attention during a Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2019. Marut relinquished command of the Task Force Essayons (TFE) Headquarters Detachment to Taylor. Riely, the TFE commander, presided over the ceremony.

Capt. Joe Marut, Col. Jim Riely and Capt. Andrea Taylor stand at attention during a Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2019. Marut relinquished command of the Task Force Essayons (TFE) Headquarters Detachment to Taylor. Riely, the TFE commander, presided over the ceremony.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Task Force Essayons (TFE) 1st Sergeant Robert Polsunas prepares to pass the unit's flag to TFE Commander Col. Jim Riely, during a Change of Command ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2019. Capt. Andrea Taylor assumed command of the TFE Headquarters Detachment from Capt. Joe Marut during the ceremony.

TFE supports U.S. Army Central in the Middle East, as well as Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve and U.S. Coalition Partner forces in order to enable the degradation and defeat of ISIS through provision of agile, responsive, forward-deployed project management, engineering, design, construction oversight, environmental, real estate, and base camp master planning capabilities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Task Force Essayons (TFE) 1st Sergeant Robert Polsunas prepares to pass the unit's flag to TFE Commander Col. Jim Riely, during a Change of Command ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2019. Capt. Andrea Taylor assumed command of the TFE Headquarters Detachment from Capt. Joe Marut during the ceremony. TFE supports U.S. Army Central in the Middle East, as well as Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve and U.S. Coalition Partner forces in order to enable the degradation and defeat of ISIS through provision of agile, responsive, forward-deployed project management, engineering, design, construction oversight, environmental, real estate, and base camp master planning capabilities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Task Force Essayons (TFE) Commander Col. Riely hands the flag to Capt. Andrea Taylor during a Change of Command ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2019. Taylor assumed command of the TFE Headquarters Detachment from Capt. Joe Marut (2nd from left) during the ceremony. Also pictured is TFE 1st Sergeant Robert Polsunas.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Task Force Essayons (TFE) Commander, Col. Jim Riely, hands the flag to Capt. Andrea Taylor during a Change of Command ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2019. Taylor assumed command of the TFE Headquarters Detachment from Capt. Joe Marut (2nd from left) during the ceremony. Also pictured is TFE 1st Sergeant Robert Polsunas.

The Transatlantic Division’s Task Force Essayons (TFE) conducted a change of command for its Headquarters Detachment on April 6, 2019, at Camp Taji, Iraq.

TFE Commander Col. Jim Riely presided over the ceremony where Capt. Joe Marut relinquished command to Capt. Andrea Taylor. SFC Robert Polsunas presented the unit colors.

Marut, who is assigned to the ERDC Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab in Hanover, New Hampshire, assumed command of the HHD on April 4, 2018. He will redeploy May 4, 2019, with a follow-on assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas. Prior to the change of command ceremony, he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze deFleury Medal. 

Taylor is assigned to the USACE Contingency Response Unit (CRU), co-located with USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She has assumed the HHD Commander responsibilities for the duration of her deployment in Iraq.

TFE supports U.S. Army Central in the Middle East, as well as Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve and U.S. Coalition Partner forces in order to enable the degradation and defeat of ISIS through provision of agile, responsive, forward-deployed project management, engineering, design, construction COR and QA oversight, environmental, real estate, and base camp master planning capabilities.


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

    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

    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

    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 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

    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.
  • 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

    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.