Home / Media / News Stories

Afghanistan District welcomes the Chief of Engineers

Part 4- Visiting the project sites and regiment in theater

Transatlantic Afghanistan District
Published April 20, 2019
Major Rich Mahn, Military Deputy DPM for USACE Afghanistan and CPT Jamar Littlejohn, Task Force Warrior Battalion Engineer brief General Semonite on the enhancements to security capabilities during a final project visit before he got on a plane to head back to Washington.
PHOTO DETAILS  /   DOWNLOAD HI-RES 1 of 7

Major Rich Mahn, Military Deputy DPM for USACE Afghanistan and CPT Jamar Littlejohn, Task Force Warrior Battalion Engineer brief General Semonite on the enhancements to security capabilities during a final project visit before he got on a plane to head back to Washington.

Major Rich Mahn, Military Deputy DPM for USACE Afghanistan and CPT Jamar Littlejohn, Task Force Warrior Battalion Engineer brief General Semonite on the enhancements to security capabilities during a final project visit before he got on a plane to head back to Washington.
PHOTO DETAILS  /   DOWNLOAD HI-RES 2 of 7

Major Rich Mahn, Military Deputy DPM for USACE Afghanistan and CPT Jamar Littlejohn, Task Force Warrior Battalion Engineer brief General Semonite on the enhancements to security capabilities during a final project visit before he got on a plane to head back to Washington.

General Semonite engages in some conversation and coffee during his visit with the Parwan Prison team members.
PHOTO DETAILS  /   DOWNLOAD HI-RES 3 of 7

General Semonite engages in some conversation and coffee during his visit with the Parwan Prison team members.

Lt. General Todd T. Semonite met up with the Afghanistan District Power Cell, who in support of USAID, help the Afghan government provide electrical power transmission and distribution throughout the country.
PHOTO DETAILS  /   DOWNLOAD HI-RES 4 of 7

Lt. General Todd T. Semonite met up with the Afghanistan District Power Cell, who in support of USAID, help the Afghan government provide electrical power transmission and distribution throughout the country.

The Regimental Senior Leaders meet with members of the 801 Engineer Company and the 315th Engineer Battalion, who provide general engineering support to USFOR-A.
PHOTO DETAILS  /   DOWNLOAD HI-RES 5 of 7

The Regimental Senior Leaders meet with members of the 801 Engineer Company and the 315th Engineer Battalion, who provide general engineering support to USFOR-A.

The Regimental Senior Leaders meet with members of the 801 Engineer Company and the 315th Engineer Battalion, who provide general engineering support to USFOR-A.
PHOTO DETAILS  /   DOWNLOAD HI-RES 6 of 7

The Regimental Senior Leaders meet with members of the 801 Engineer Company and the 315th Engineer Battalion, who provide general engineering support to USFOR-A.

The Regimental Senior Leaders meet with members of the 801 Engineer Company and the 315th Engineer Battalion, who provide general engineering support to USFOR-A.
PHOTO DETAILS  /   DOWNLOAD HI-RES 7 of 7

The Regimental Senior Leaders meet with members of the 801 Engineer Company and the 315th Engineer Battalion, who provide general engineering support to USFOR-A.

PRINT | E-MAIL

(Bringing you part 4 of this five-part series on the 54th Chief of Engineers’ visit to the Transatlantic Afghanistan District, we take you on his journey to some of the projects and meeting the regiment)

Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, USACE Commanding General and 54th U. S. Army Chief of Engineers, and Command Sergeant Major Brad Houston packed a lot of engagements into their recent visit to the Transatlantic Afghanistan District.

Beyond the operation briefings and regimental town hall, General Semonite was able to get out about the Afghanistan footprint where the Regiment works. He remarked about a sign he had seen on one of walls at the USACE headquarters which read, “If you had to be here till the end what more would you do today.”

Semonite spoke about the enlisted E-3 pay grade soldier he just met who is a roller operator in the construction company, saying that whether you’re a senior civilian in the Corps, whether you’re a Major, or command sergeant major, are we doing everything we can to try to make a difference here.

He was also able to engage in a dinner with senior Army Engineer leaders where they discussed updates across the Engineer Regiment and topics relevant to engineer operations in Afghanistan. Gen. Semonite stressed how Engineers continue to play a vital role in our nations support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

Some of his visits took him to see the Afghanistan District Power Cell team at Resolute Support as they continue in the support of USAID in helping the Afghan government provide electrical power transmission and distribution throughout the country.

He engaged with regimental soldiers from the 801 Engineer Company and the 315th Engineer Battalion, along with the 264th engineers.

This fast-paced visit took him to a couple USACE project sites even before he was headed on a plane out of country he was able to see the progress with some of the enhancement in security capabilities.

During this visit General Semonite reminded the regiment that right now the commitment on the part of the federal government is we’re going to continue to have a capability here. “That’s not so much about building new barracks, not so much about moving walls around inside of a dolke or something, but it really goes back to show the Afghan community at large that we’re committed to be able to help them have a future. That’s what it’s all about,” he said.


USACE
soldiers
Afghanistan
#Knowyourmilitary

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.