PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District ushered in new leadership as Lt. Col. David C. Park assumed command of the organization from Lt. Col. Kristen N. Dahle during a July 12th ceremony in the Wanamaker Building's Crystal Tea Room.
Park became the 60th commander in the District's 153 year history.
"I recognize that taking command is an honor and a privilege," said Park, who most recently served on a joint duty assignment with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. “I have confidence in the strength and foundation of this workforce and my wife and I are so excited to join this team.”
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Milhorn, commander of the North Atlantic Division, presided over the ceremony. He said Park is prepared to lead the District.
“We know you will take on this challenge – I am absolutely confident the Army got it right in selecting you as the commander of the USACE Philadelphia District.”
Milhorn said the District made a number of significant accomplishments under Dahle’s leadership. He cited the near completion of the Delaware River Deepening Project; progress on the post-Hurricane Sandy Recovery Program; the Dredge McFarland’s urgent missions in other parts of the country; and support to federal, state and local partners.
“The District has responded to needs across the country and, in fact, deployed team members all over the world to support our partners,” said Milhorn. “To all of the professionals here today – I thank you for you what you do each day.”
Dahle reflected on her time with the Philadelphia District and thanked her family and teammates for support during her tenure.
“When I arrived here, I was surprised by the diversity of projects and I couldn’t believe the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes – from task orders to studies – all of it is necessary to completing the mission,” said Dahle.
“I’m excited and proud to have been a part of this District,” she said.
Dahle will be serving at the Army War College at Carlyle Barracks, Pa. for her next assignment.
Park will oversee a 500-person workforce responsible for managing the water resources of the Delaware River basin; building facilities for the Army and Air Force; and providing engineering and environmental services for other agencies.
Park was commissioned as an Engineer Second Lieutenant from the United States Military Academy in 2001. He has a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering from the United States Military Academy and a master’s in engineering management from the University of Missouri, Science and Technology. He is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, and Command and General Staff College.