Omaha Engineer District Gets New Commander
The Omaha Engineer District has a new commander. In a special ceremony July 9 that was live-streamed due to coronavirus restrictions, command was officially passed from outgoing Col. John Hudson to incoming Col. Mark Himes. Hudson had been commander of the Corps’ Omaha District—which oversees the Missouri River from mid-Missouri to its headwaters—since 2017.
In his farewell speech, Hudson recalled the devastating floods that engulfed the river’s lower basin in 2019, causing an estimated $2.9 billion in damage.
“The melting waters quickly overwhelmed every tributary in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa and southeastern South Dakota,” Hudson said. “Within 72 hours, nearly every levee system from Omaha to Kansas City had been overtopped, and most had breached. In total, more than 300 miles of district levees were damaged or destroyed.”
Work continues on repairing additional levees damaged from the flooding, and the Corps has spent more than $300 million on repairs. With his command done, Hudson said he will be retiring from the Army after 26 years.
“The Army has moved us 14 times during our 24-year marriage,” Hudson said. “Our kids have lived in many homes and have demonstrated the resilience that comes with growing up in a military family. But the Army adventure that we have so loved is coming to an end. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us as we plan to stay here in Omaha.”
Himes comes to the Omaha District after most recently studying at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. He has served in various roles for the Corps, including as deputy commander of the Jacksonville, Fla., District.
“The history and accomplishments of the Omaha District are unmatched,” Himes said. “From the earliest Civil Works missions to manage the Missouri River, the construction of the six mainstem dam projects, the countless military program successes like building the NORAD Command Center deep inside Cheyenne Mountain or the many military facilities throughout the upper Midwest to protect the nation and enable soldiers, airmen and civilians to carry out their missions.”
Himes said he is thankful to have landed in Omaha for his first commander position. “It’s an extraordinary privilege and honor to assume command of this mighty district,” he said. “I’m so thankful to join the dedicated team of professionals that make up this first-class organization. I look forward to serving with you as we tackle the nation’s toughest engineering challenges.”
The Omaha District oversees an annual budget of around $1 billion in construction programs in parts of seven states throughout the Midwest.
