U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District welcomed its new, incoming commander at a change of command ceremony on Friday, July 16 at the Citadel Holliday Alumni Center.
Lt. Col. Andrew Johannes, the District’s 89th commander assumed command from Lt. Col. Rachel Honderd. The change of command ceremony was officiated by Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, commanding general, South Atlantic Division, USACE.
The District’s leadership transition also coincides with its 150th anniversary, which celebrates 150 years of service to South Carolina and the nation.
USACE plays a crucial role in the growth and prosperity of South Carolina which is seen through its work on the Charleston Harbor Post 45 Deepening project, the Charleston Peninsula Coastal Flood Risk Management study, the construction of Crab Bank, coastal resiliency projects, military construction, disaster response, regulatory compliance program, and many others. Johannes looks forward to continuing to deliver these vital programs which better the lives of South Carolinians.
Johannes brings more than 18 years of military leadership to the position. He most recently served as a joint staff officer at the NATO Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy and has led several engineering and combat operations across the globe. Johannes holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Military Academy, a master’s degree in engineering management, and a doctorate in mechanical engineering.