Posted on October 6, 2025
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville welcomed incoming commander, Col. Robert Hilliard, while bidding farewell to Col. Sebastien Joly during the Oct. 2 change of command ceremony at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama.
The Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations, Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maj. Gen. Mark Quander, led the ceremony that marked the passing of the command colors from Joly to Hilliard.
“I had the opportunity to pass the guidon to them when they were both departing battalion commands… Today this ceremony marks a change in leadership, but it also reminds us of continuity – the mission endures, the trust placed in the Corps endures, the responsibility to soldiers, civilians and our nation endures,” said Quander.
In his opening address, Quander spoke about the mission of Huntsville Center and the dedication to providing specialized technical expertise, global engineering solutions and cutting-edge innovations through centrally managed programs in support of national interests.
“HNC is our technical center of expertise…if we need something hard done in the Corps and we can’t figure it out, we go to the men and women at Huntsville Center,” explained Quander. “The people of HNC are the heartbeat of the mission. You do the quiet, complicated and consequential work that others simply assume will be there when it matters.”
When Joly gave his remarks, he thanked those who have had a profound impact on his Army career including his parents, spouse, extended family and those who he has worked alongside for more than two decades.
“This is a day of gratitude for 29 years of opportunities, for the privilege of leading here at Huntsville and for the people who made this journey so meaningful,” said Joly. “The legacy I leave isn’t about positions held or projects completed. It’s about people: teammates, mentors, friends and especially family.”
Joly has served as Huntsville Center’s commander since July 2021 where he lead the organization to execute more than 3,500 contracts valued at more than $2 billion annually in engineering, construction and technical services in support of strategic national programs such as the design and construction of worldwide chemical weapons demilitarization facilities, Army and Air Force installation facility repair and renewal construction, national energy savings programs, nationwide environmental and ordnance remediation programs, Army medical facilities design oversight and overseas contingency operations. At the ceremony, he spoke to his confidence in Hilliard’s abilities to lead the command.
“As I hand this command to Col. Hilliard, I do so with complete confidence. You’re inheriting an organization of world-class professionals who thrive on tackling the toughest challenges,” said Joly.
Hilliard provided his first remarks as Huntsville Center’s commander to more than 300 people who attended the ceremony, including officers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, leaders across Redstone Arsenal, community partners, as well as former and current Huntsville Center employees.
“Command is truly a privilege, and I am both honored and humbled to lead such a unique and incredible organization,” he began.
In his first address to his new organization, he spoke to the critical mission and those who make the mission possible.
“What you do each and every day for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines as well as our federal partners and nation is absolutely inspiring. You do the hard things that no one else can do,” he stated.
Closing his speech, he spoke about the legacy of Huntsville Center and the importance of serving the nation together.
“Together, we will continue the great legacy that this organization has built through the years – a legacy that makes our military and our nation stronger,” he emphasized.
Upon his retirement, Joly has plans to stay in the Huntsville area, where his wife, Vanessa Joly, teaches at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. At the ceremony closing his speech, Joly reminisced one last time about his years of service.
“In closing, I want to say thank you for the trust, the opportunities, the laughter and the privilege of serving,” he said. “The Army gave me purpose. The Corps gave me a mission. And the people gave me memories that will last a lifetime.”
Departing Huntsville Center commander, Col. Sebastien Joly, accepts retirement certificate from Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations, Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maj. Gen. Mark Quander, during Change of Command ceremony at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama.
Incoming Huntsville Center Commander, Col. Robert Hilliard, speaks during the Change of Command ceremony U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama.
Departing Huntsville Center Commander, Col. Sebastien Joly, speaks during Change of Command ceremony at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama.
