Mobile District employees from headquarters and various field offices welcomed their newest commander, Col. James DeLapp during a change of command ceremony held at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview in downtown Mobile June 23. District employees also said farewell to their outgoing commander Col. Jon J. Chytka who came to Mobile District in 2013 from the Naval War College where he graduated in the summer of 2013, earning a master's degree in security studies. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another. The passing of colors, standards, or ensigns from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of soldiers to their unit's commander.

DeLapp attended the Army War College, where he earned a master's degree in security studies. Prior to that assignment, he served as chief, plans branch, J4 engineer division, United States Central Command. He also served as the 62nd commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [USACE] Nashville District. A native of Illinois, DeLapp received his commission in the USACE as a distinguished military graduate from Kansas State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree. He earned a Master of Science in construction management from Texas A&M University in 2003. He is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College.

During the ceremony, DeLapp shared his gratitude and appreciation to distinguished guests and family who attended the event.

Retired Maj. Gen. Robert Griffin former Mobile District commander and deputy commanding general USACE, Brig. Gen. C. David Turner the commander of the South Atlantic Division [SAD], USACE, Alvin Lee chief of programs for SAD, congressional staff, other distinguished guests, friends, and employees of the Mobile District, thank you for taking the time to be here today. I am very thankful to my parents, sister and niece who flew in from Chicago as well as my brother, his wife and their children who drove here from San Antonio, Unfortunately, my brother retired Col. John DeLapp and his family could not be here today, the incoming commander said.

DeLapp further expressed how grateful he was to his children. "I'm extremely thankful to my three wonderful children, who have been enormously resilient throughout their lives, in adapting to every change the Army and life has presented them. Without your support, understanding, and patience I would not be able to serve in this capacity and at this level."

Although DeLapp is new to the Mobile District, he is familiar with the Corps. Interestingly enough, when choosing new assignments, Mobile District was one of the top choices. "I am honored and humbled to be selected to command another district in USACE. Coming to Mobile is not just another Army assignment. Having previously commanded the Nashville District, Mobile District places me in the company of many of my predecessors including our currently deputy for programs and project management Pete Taylor. Having served in three previous Districts and divisions, I look forward to leading the great team here in Mobile and across the vast area of responsibility of the southeastern United States, central and South America while working my fellow commanders and the South Atlantic Division," he said.

Sharing his thoughts later in the ceremony, the 52nd commander of Mobile District who coincidently takes command after a major milestone for USACE, further expressed his appreciation for the former commander.

"It was just last week that the Army and the Corps of Engineers celebrated their 241st birthday and last year the Mobile District celebrated its 200th anniversary. 51 commanders have led this great organization in the past including the most recent to leave his legacy, Col. Jon J. Chytka. Jon, I greatly appreciate all you have done for the Mobile District, the Corps of Engineers, and the United States Army. You have taken time to ensure a smooth transition during this change of command …thank you! I wish you the best of luck during your deployment to Afghanistan and know that the entire Mobile team is here for your wife and family during your tour," DeLapp said.

DeLapp expressed his excitement to be back in the corps by saying how extremely anxious he is to get out to meet the workforce, partners, customers, and stakeholders. "I'm excited to see where and what we are working on to fully appreciate what a diverse and challenging mission we have," DeLapp said.

DeLapp concluded the ceremony by sharing his three priorities are for the District.

"Although there are numerous areas that will demand our attention. I intend to focus on three priorities: readiness, delivering on our commitments, and taking care of our people. Our fundamental task is to ensure we are ready for whatever our nation asks of us in particular ensuring we are prepared to respond to any future emergency. We [Mobile District] will deliver the program assigned on time, on budget and to a quality standard. Finally, our workforce is the backbone of this organization. You [Mobile District employees] will be challenged and will work hard but I know we will have fun doing so. Taking care of you and this organization will always remain a top priority," he concluded.