HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (July 29, 2016) -- July 29 began another chapter in the storied history of the Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville as Col. John S. Hurley assumed command from Lt. Col. Burlin Emery.
Presiding over the change of command, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. Richard Stevens acknowledged the contributions of Huntsville's previous leader Col. Bob Ruch, who retired in May after nearly four years as the Center commander, before recognizing Emery for being "a stabilizing force" and sustaining "the momentum and energy of the command" as the interim commander.
"We are all fortunate you are staying with this team," Stevens said to Emery, who will return to his former position as deputy commander.
Stevens said it's an honor to welcome the Hurley family to another USACE organization.
"The Huntsville Center is a phenomenal command and I have no doubt you will lead it to even greater heights and further achievements," he said.
Huntsville Center's path has been filled with twists, bumps and turns during its nearly 50 years, Stevens said. "The foundation of that path, however, has been absolutely one of undeniable technical expertise and resolute commitment, and those truly are the hallmarks of the Huntsville Center."
Hurley comes to Huntsville from USACE's Japan Engineer District where he had been the commander since July 9, 2013. Prior to that, Hurley served as the deputy commander of the USACE Transatlantic Division. The New York native, with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and a master's degree in sociology from Northwestern University, is a licensed Professional Engineer in Missouri, a registered Project Management Professional and is Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault qualified.
"I have seen the reports and heard from stakeholders how the Center takes the time to understand what the warfighter needs to better accomplish its mission, and then the Center figures out how it can deliver. This is a truly exceptional mindset in the bureaucracies of today," said Hurley, who added that he's greatly impressed with the level of professionalism and dedication to quality that exists in the Center. "This mission agility isn't about maintaining relevance and it isn't about job security - it's about making the nation stronger today than it was yesterday. .. The Center is uniquely positioned to do just that.
"I consider myself very lucky to be joining such a great organization, and it will be my distinct privilege to work with each of you."
Stevens said it truly is the people here who make Huntsville Center such a remarkable team.
"It's really not enough for me to just stand up here and say, 'Thank you,' thank you for your service and in many cases thank you for your sacrifice," Stevens said to Huntsville Center's employees. "The dedicated public servants who make up this Center truly do deserve the thanks of our nation for what they do every day to ensure the prosperity and security of our nation."
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