Posted on July 24, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District will be holding a Change of Command ceremony July 26, 2023, as Colonel Mark R. Himes relinquishes command to Colonel Robert J. Newbauer.
The Change of Command ceremony will take place at the Holland Center located at 1200 Douglas St., Omaha, NE 68102, and will commence at 10:00 a.m. on July 26th.
In 2020, Colonel Mark Himes assumed command of the Omaha District, the largest district in the continental United States. With a current $2.3 billion budget, the district provides bank stabilization to the Missouri River, owns and operates multiple lakes and reservoirs that provides navigation, flood control, water supply, fish and wildlife, water quality, hydropower, and recreation activities in an area of operation covering 700,000 square miles and 10 states, in the Midwest region of the United States.
COL Himes rose to the occasion of navigating a workforce of more than 1,400 professionals through the uncharted territory of the COVID-19 pandemic. He guided the Omaha team through various critical projects and modernized the district’s business systems during his tenure.
As the Omaha District bids its COVID Commander farewell, he expressed his gratitude to all the personnel, staff, and community partners who supported and collaborated with him during his command. “It has been an incredible privilege to serve alongside the talented men and women of the Omaha District and work together to fulfill our mission to provide vital engineering solutions in the region,” COL Mark R. Himes said.
Colonel Robert Newbauer, is assuming the Omaha District command having served most recently as a Military Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe/Commander, U.S. European Command in Mons in Belgium. Prior to his assignment in Belgium, COL Newbauer graduated from the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. He is native of Allegan, MI, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and received his commission in the U.S. Army in May 2000. Newbauer brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, values, and distinguished awards to his new leadership role. Including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO medal, Sapper Tab, Airborne Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Diving Officer Badge.
“I am honored and excited to assume command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District,” Colonel Newbauer said. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen our community and stakeholder relationships and build upon the successes achieved under Colonel Himes’ leadership,” he added.
The Change of Command ceremony is a traditional military event that symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. This event signifies the continuity of leadership within the organization and showcases the military’s commitment to maintaining seamless operations during leadership transitions.
Members of the media are cordially invited to attend the Change of Command ceremony. Please RSVP by July 24, 2023, to the Office of Public Affairs Office with Nyime Gilchrist at nyime.j.gilchrist@usace.army.mil.
Event Details: Date: July 26, 2023
Time: 1000 -1230
Location: Holland Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha, NE 68102
For those who cannot attend in person, join the ceremony virtually using Webex link: https://usace1.webex.com/meet/changeofcommand.
For more information, please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Public Affairs Office at (402) 995-2417 or DLL-CENWO-PAO@usace.army.mil .
