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Innovation at the Speed of Relevance – USACE Transatlantic Division participates in the 2021 USACE Innovation Summit

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division
Published Oct. 29, 2021
John L. Adams, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Senior Executive Officer and Programs and Business regional director, watches the Division's virtual presentation on engineering and logistic support for the U.S. Special Operations Forces at the Division's headquarters in Winchester, Va., Oct. 26.
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John L. Adams, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Senior Executive Officer and Programs and Business regional director, watches the Division's virtual presentation on engineering and logistic support for the U.S. Special Operations Forces at the Division's headquarters in Winchester, Va., Oct. 26.

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division displayed its innovative spirit during the 2021 USACE Innovation Summit, a virtual event with national visibility that showcased Army Corps of Engineers innovations both from research and design and applied practices as well as innovations in human capital and business practices.

The Summit’s theme, “Unleash the Power of Innovation,” highlighted the future benefits of taking a chance with innovative ideas.

Held October 25 through 29, the event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and virtual tours by Army Corps of Engineers team members, the Department of Defense, and current and future partners in industry and academia.

Daniel Lyons, Transatlantic Division Engineering and Construction Division lead architect and organizer of the Division’s participation in the Summit, explained why innovation is vital to the Division’s mission.

“Without continuous innovation,” Lyons said, “USACE would fall behind our competitors in keeping up with the constant changes in our current environment, our military needs, defense systems, technologies, construction methodologies, materials research and exploration.”

With oversight of well over five billion dollars in projects throughout the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, as well as dedicated support to the U.S. Special Operations Command, the Transatlantic Division combines dedicated and expeditionary district capabilities in order to deliver the mission in a constantly evolving environment where innovation is necessary for success. The Innovation Summit provides a platform to spark that innovation.

“We bring our best ideas to the Summit for discussion and take away great new ideas, approaches, and solutions for our current and future program needs,” Lyons said. “This annual event allows us to see more of the available technologies and processes for our current and future program needs as well as generating new connections and collaboration with our peers, industries, manufacturers, and contractors. The Innovation Summit revitalizes USACE! It is a necessary part to our continued success!”

Major General Kimberly M. Colloton, Transatlantic Division commanding general, has matched the operational momentum of the environment her Division supports, ensuring innovation is delivered at the speed of relevance.

“I do feel that it is important to have a bias for innovation. We should all try to innovate,” Colloton said following recent site visits to ongoing projects in Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “When I think about delivering the program at the speed of relevance, I think this means we need to be able to keep up with our competition, our adversaries and our mission partner’s needs.

“In order for our U.S. and foreign partners to leverage a capability or facility, we need to provide it in a timely manner,” Colloton continued. “If we do not deliver our services timely – if it is late to need – then it is no longer relevant. Innovation helps us get there faster and helps us build smarter, more efficiently, reducing risk while improving capability.”

Edward “Ted” Upson, P.E., Transatlantic Division Engineering and Construction Division chief, attended the event and echoed Colloton’s thoughts on innovation.

“The contractors we work with must innovate to stay competitive, and our mission partners expect us to provide state of the art service and expertise,” Upton explained. “If we don’t continually innovate, adapt, and improve, we risk losing our place as a global leader in construction and engineering.”

“Events like this are important because they encourage information sharing and collaboration between leaders and experts from a wide range of private and public organizations,” Upton said.

“Through the exchange of ideas and information at the Innovation Summit, we raise the level of understanding and expertise for not only the participants but for the entire global community of professionals.”

Learn more about the Army Corps of Engineers commitment to innovation at https://www.usaceinnovationsummit.org/

Hear Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, USACE Commanding General and 55th Chief of Engineers, deliver remarks from the opening session of this year's USACE Innovation Summit at

 


US Army Corp of Engineers
Transatlantic Division
TAD
Innovation Summit

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

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    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

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    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.