Change of Command ceremony held for North Atlantic Division

Change is in the air.

Building strong was the message conveyed at the change of command ceremony held at Fort Hamilton Army Base on Thursday, March 26 as the Corps of Engineers, North Atlantic Division (NAD), changed bosses.

During the ceremony, Pennsylvania native Colonel William Graham, who served as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C., assumed the position of commander of the NAD, which has six districts, including Massachusetts, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk and Wiesbaden, Germany.

Graham replaces Brigadier General Kent Savre, who will become the next commanding general of the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Graham expressed pride and excitement when discussing his new position. “I’m humbled and grateful to be given the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization,” he said. “The North Atlantic Division has earned a magnificent reputation as a division to get the mission accomplished. They know how to execute today while wisely thinking ahead to have the best plan to succeed tomorrow. It’s a remarkable achievement.”

Savre also had the opportunity to express his gratitude towards his peers. “When you work closely with an organization and the people around you for a long period of time like I have here, you’re brothers and sisters for life,” he explained. “I’m consistently impressed with the reputation you build for the division. I’ve been proud to serve by your side.”

He gave his vote of confidence to Graham during his speech. “There is nobody more qualified, with a better perspective or vision and the right attitude and understanding of where we need to go,” said Savre. “His resume in combat and in the Corps of Engineers is unmatched and his leadership and friendship in the time I’ve gotten to know him are first class.”

Major General Richard Stevens congratulated Savre for his tenure as commander. “Changes in leadership are inevitable and a ceremony such as this is an historic event.

“Savre’s tenure with the North Atlantic Division has been nothing short of phenomenal,” he said, applauding him for his work amidst the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. “Your steadfast and strong leadership set the tone for a resolute response and recovery effort.”

“We take the selection process very seriously and with Colonel Graham, I know we got it right,” added Stevens. “You have a proven record in both peace and war. “You are a skilled and brilliant officer that epitomizes the best of what our corps should and can be.”

“It’s a great honor and a great privilege to lead these superb civilians and wonderful soldiers. I will not let you, the members of this team and the citizens and soldiers who rely on us, down,” concluded Graham.