Posted on July 17, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District transitioned leadership in a Change of Command ceremony Thursday, July 16, 2026, at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
Lt. Col. Donald K. Lew assumed command from Lt. Col. Wallace W. Bandeff in front of about 200 regional leaders and guests. Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Herlihy, USACE Great Lakes and Ohio River Division commander, presided over the ceremony.
The U.S. Army Change of Command ceremony is a formal transfer of authority between an outgoing and incoming commander. The departing leader passes the unity guidon or colors – its unique flag – to the new commander symbolizing the unity and all its responsibilities. The tradition dates back to the 18th Century when the flag served as a critical rallying point for Soldiers on the battlefield.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to stand before you today as I assume command. The dedication and expertise required to deliver vital engineering solutions and solve our nation’s toughest problems is truly incredible,” said Lt. Col. Lew, in his opening remarks as the incoming commander to his staff and community partners. “I am deeply humbled to lead this team, and I am ready to get out to our project sites, meet you all, and ultimately deliver on our commitments.”
Lt. Col. Lew comes to the Detroit District from Winchester, Virginia after serving two years as the Deputy District Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, where he commissioned through the ROTC program, a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, a Master’s in Science in Engineering and Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Master’s of Operational Studies from Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Herlihy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio Rivers Division commander, passes the Detroit District flag to Lt. Col. Donald K. Lew to begin his command on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. The Detroit District, established in 1841, encompasses 3,150 miles of shoreline and 81 harbors and channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie. (U.S. Army photo by Brandon Hubbard)
The outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Bandeff, took time to offer his appreciation to the millions of citizens who live, work and thrive in the region he served.
“It’s truly been an honor for me to serve with the Detroit District team and those who live within our boundaries,” said Lt. Col. Bandeff, outgoing USACE Detroit District commander, who took command in July 2024. “It is with a heart full of gratitude and a sense of pride that I stand before you today. I can say without reservation, and with absolute certainty, the past two years have been the most professionally rewarding experience of my career because of what this team delivers across the Great Lakes.”
During his tenure, Lt. Col. Bandeff guided the Detroit District through a complex portfolio of infrastructure maintenance, environmental stewardship and engineering solutions, ensuring the continued economic viability of the Great Lakes Navigation System. The workload also includes two of the nation’s largest civil works investments in the New Lock at the Soo in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and the Brandon Road Interbasin Project near Joliet, Illinois.
Lt. Col. Bandeff continues his military service at his next duty station as a professor at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan.
The Detroit District, established in 1841, encompasses 3,150 miles of shoreline and 81 harbors and channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
