U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Division

08/05/2025

A Farewell—and a New Chapter Begins

After more than 15 years of serving as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lead for engineering support across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the Transatlantic Division has completed its final mission: a successful transition of oversight to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division.

This transition marks a new chapter, not an ending. The Middle East District and the Transatlantic Expeditionary District continue their vital work, fully operational and committed to delivering the same high standard of engineering excellence, partnership, and mission-focused support across 21 nations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and the Levant.

To our teammates, partners, and supporters, thank you. You’ve been part of a legacy that helped shape regional stability and global security. We move forward with pride, knowing the mission remains strong in capable hands.

Follow the Southwestern Division for continued updates on this enduring mission: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | U.S. Central Command | U.S. Army | U.S. Army Central U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Expeditionary District | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District | United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

08/05/2025

“Today, we mark the next step in our evolution. Responsibility for this regional portfolio – along with the people, knowledge, and partnerships it carries – transitions from the Transatlantic Division to the Southwestern Division.

This is not a reset. It is not a handoff of unfamiliar terrain. It is a deliberate shift to ensure our continued agility, our continued excellence, and our continued commitment in one of the world’s most complex operating environments.” - Col. Craig S. Baumgartner, Transatlantic Division commander

In a ceremony steeped in history and symbolic of strategic continuity, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially transitioned oversight of its critical mission in support of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command from the Transatlantic Division to the Southwestern Division on Aug. 5, 2025.

This historic Transfer of Authority marks a strategic shift designed to enhance readiness and further strengthen USACE’s enduring commitment to supporting America’s warfighters and reinforcing defense partnerships across 21 nations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and the Levant.

Full article at: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/544800/usace-realigns-division-oversight-middle-east-reinforces-its-role-force-behind-force-centcom-and

Full photo album at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/transatlanticdivision/albums/72177720328193439/

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division | U.S. Central Command | U.S. Army

07/14/2025

SPEAKING OF HISTORY: In celebration of the 250th birthdays of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the USACE Transatlantic Division hosted Maj. Gen. David C. Hill, Commandant of the U.S. Army War College and former Transatlantic Division commander, as the keynote speaker for a special commemorative event held June 11 at the division headquarters.

The event brought together leadership and staff from the Transatlantic Division, the Middle East District, and the Transatlantic Expeditionary District to reflect on the legacy of USACE and hear firsthand from one of the Army’s most experienced strategic leaders. Hill currently leads the institution responsible for educating the Army’s next generation of senior leaders and previously commanded the Transatlantic Division from 2016 to 2018. He also served as the Deputy Commanding General of USACE and Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Central.

In his remarks, Hill spoke candidly about leadership, legacy, and navigating strategic transitions across a military career that has spanned more than 30 years. Drawing on operational experience and institutional knowledge, he shared lessons underpinned by a deep understanding of the Army profession and the responsibilities that come with command.

Full article at https://www.tad.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4243587/speaking-of-history/

Photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/transatlanticdivision/albums/72177720326810647

| | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District | U.S. Army | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Expeditionary District | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | U.S. Army War College |

07/09/2025

Honoring Excellence in Service: Please join us in congratulating Colonel Nikki L. Haupt and Lieutenant Colonel (Promotable) Penaluna for receiving awards in recognition of their exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division.

As Deputy Commander, Col. Haupt led with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to people. Her leadership during a year of strategic growth, operational excellence, and dynamic support to U.S. Central Command and United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) missions leaves a legacy that will shape the division for years to come.

As Strategic Initiatives Officer, Ltc. (P) Penaluna advanced the division’s ability to engage mission partners and deliver success across a complex theater. His leadership in building strategic relationships directly contributed to increased mission success and long-term impact.

We are proud to serve alongside such dedicated leaders whose actions reflect the highest standards of our Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

More photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/transatlanticdivision/albums/72177720327419485/

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Expeditionary District

06/13/2025

A SLICE OF TRADITION: On June 16, 1775, the Continental Congress established the Continental Army, and with it, the foundation for what would become the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For 250 years, the Army and its engineers have stood shoulder to shoulder, building, fighting, and shaping the nation’s defense through every chapter of American history.

One of the most time-honored Army traditions is the ceremonial cake cutting, where the oldest and youngest Soldiers present come together to cut the cake. This ritual symbolizes the passing of experience to the next generation and honors the continuity of service, sacrifice, and commitment that defines the Army.

At the Transatlantic Division, we’re proud to be part of this legacy. From battlefield engineering to forward infrastructure and strategic partnerships, we continue to build strong and serve those who serve.

This we’ll defend.
Building Strong.

| | | | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | | | |

06/12/2025

HONORING LEGACY: USACE Transatlantic Division inducts four into Gallery of Distinguished Civilians

As the Army celebrates its 250th birthday and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks 250 years of service to the nation, the Transatlantic Division paused to honor a legacy built not only through infrastructure, but through people.

“Today, we recognize and honor the fact that those who served before us set the stage for our mission success. These individuals each cultivated our culture, shaped the way we do business, forged meaningful relationships that endure today, and built a bench of people through mentorship, coaching and demonstrating what right looks like to ensure we had the talent moving forward. Their contributions enabled operations in some of the most complex and dynamic regions in the world, and their legacy continues to support our forces, our partners, and our nation today.” -Col. Craig S. Baumgartner, Transatlantic Division commander.

| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | |

On June 10, 2025, the division inducted four exceptional individuals into its Gallery of Distinguished Civilians, an honor reserved for those whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped shape one of the most strategically important and operationally complex divisions in USACE. The ceremony, held...

06/12/2025

During this week’s Transatlantic Division Town Hall, we proudly recognized the unwavering dedication of our civilian workforce through Length of Service Awards, honoring milestone years of commitment to the Army mission.

We also had the privilege of presenting the de Fleury Medal, one of the most prestigious honors in the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment. Named in honor of François-Louis de Fleury, a French engineer who served with distinction during the American Revolution, the medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to Army engineering and unwavering support to the mission and values of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Congratulations to all honorees whose service reflects the best of who we are and what we stand for.

06/12/2025

Honoring Those Who Built the Legacy: We proudly present the full video of the Gallery of Distinguished Civilians Induction Ceremony, celebrating individuals whose extraordinary service helped shape the mission, values, and success of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division.

Join us as we honor Annie Cain, John Adams, Ray Tatro, and William Fritz, leaders, innovators, and mentors who left an indelible mark on our organization.

Event Program with inductee’s bios and past honorees available at:https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/pubs/pdf_73297.pdf

Full album available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/transatlanticdivision/albums/72177720326810647/

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06/12/2025

Honoring those who built the legacy: This week, as part of our Birthday and Anniversary celebration, we recognized four extraordinary individuals whose careers helped shape the Transatlantic Division’s mission and impact.

These moments from the Gallery of Distinguished Civilians ceremony highlight the pride, gratitude, and enduring legacy of Annie Cain, John Adams, Ray Tatro, and William Fritz.

Full album available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/transatlanticdivision/albums/72177720326810647/
Event Program with inductee’s bios and past honorees available at:https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/pubs/pdf_73297.pdf
Full ceremony video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM1ZA_w6PpE&t=2s

| | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | U.S. Army | |

06/09/2025

DID YOU KNOW: During World War I, Army engineers sketched enemy terrain and trench lines by hand—often from behind enemy lines. Those hand-drawn maps shaped how battles were fought. Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues that legacy across the U.S. Central Command region—using advanced 3D modeling and geospatial tools to support mission planning, infrastructure, and force protection. For 250 years, Army engineers have owned the terrain. From scrap paper to digital precision, the mission hasn't changed—we still lead the way.

| | | U.S. Army | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division

06/09/2025

As we mark 250 years of , we honor the engineers, professionals, and mission partners—past, present, and future—who continue to shape the world through innovation and expertise.

| | | U.S. Army | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division

06/09/2025

Legacy is not about what is built. It is about what endures.

“We don’t just deliver projects, we deliver the foundation for enduring presence. Those early efforts weren’t about recognition or short-term wins. They were about solving hard problems in tough places and proving that America’s Engineers could be counted on. That legacy isn’t built from concrete, it’s built from trust, resilience, and the quiet certainty that we’ll deliver, no matter where the mission leads.” – Col. Craig S. Baumgartner, Transatlantic Division commander

For 250 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has shaped the nation’s strength through engineering. Every district, division, and mission contributes to that legacy, supporting the U.S. Army, serving the public, and building the foundations that carry us forward …

… That legacy extended into one of the most strategically important and logistically complex regions in the world. The Middle East also proved to be one of the most challenging construction environments known to man. But the Army Corps of Engineers, marching to the cry of ‘Essayons’ [Let us try!] established itself as a critical enabler, quietly and reliably delivering the infrastructure that allowed Army and joint missions to take shape. Wherever operations required mobility, access, or secure basing, engineers were already at work, ensuring the environment could support the mission before it ever began.

Read full article at https://www.dvidshub.net/news/500106/legacy-americas-engineers-middle-east

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters | U.S. Army | U.S. Central Command | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division