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Pacific Ocean Division News

  • June

    In 2025, both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers celebrate 250 years of service to America.

    Making America Great: The Army and Its Engineers Celebrate 250 Years of Service

    This year marks a monumental anniversary for America: 250 years of unwavering dedication by the U.S. Army along with its indispensable branch, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Together, these two venerable institutions have played pivotal roles not only in protecting American freedom but also in weaving the very fabric of the nation’s development.
  • Historical photo

    Engineering the Alliance: JED in the 21st Century and Beyond

    As the new millennium unfolded, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Japan Engineer District (JED) entered a transformative era. Building upon decades of bilateral cooperation, JED adapted to evolving strategic priorities, technological advancements, and global challenges, all while maintaining its commitment to excellence in engineering, construction and delivery.
  • Donghyuck Chai, Supervisory Civil (Structural) Engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District, was announced as the recipient of the 2024 USACE Structural Engineer of the Year Award, May 29, 2025. Chai is recognized for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and resilience of military facilities across Korea. (U.S. Army photo by Far East District)

    Donghyuk Chai: USACE Structural Engineer of the Year

    When it comes to keeping military installations safe and operational, the vital work of structural engineers often goes unnoticed. Yet these professionals form the backbone of every building, bridge, and facility that supports the Department of Defense’s mission. Donghyuk Chai, Supervisory Civil (Structural) Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District (FED), is one such individual whose quiet but powerful contributions impact the lives of countless military families across South Korea.
  • Contractor is renovating the entrance of USAG Humphreys Command Group; the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office (PAIO) and the Internal Review and Audit Compliance Officer (IRACO).

    $1.6 million renovations underway for USAG Humphreys Command Group

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District’s (USACE FED) Project 520595, which is the renovations of the first and third floor to accommodate the USAG Humphreys Command Group, the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office (PAIO) and the Internal Review and Audit Compliance Officer (IRACO) is currently under construction on Camp Humphreys, South Korea.
  • Staff Sgt. Kyler Hughes, Construction Control Representative, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District, guides students in creating "Ocean in a Bottle" during a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) event hosted by USACE at West Elementary School on Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on May 22, 2025. Highlighting the vital role of STEAM in our everyday lives, Hughes sparks excitement for science and engineering in young minds. (U.S. Army photo by Yohan An)

    USACE Far East District inspires future innovators at STEAM events in South Korea

    USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District (FED) successfully hosted its 13th consecutive year of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) events at Humphreys Central Elementary School (HCES) and Humphreys West Elementary School (HWES) on May 15 and 22, 2025. The events aimed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity and inspire students to explore careers in STEAM fields through hands-on learning experiences.

  • May

    Content in this issue includes ongoing projects and initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are leveraging environmental stewardship as a force multiplier — enhancing military readiness, strengthening strategic partnerships and supporting community well-being.

    The Corps Environment – Spring 2025 edition now available

    The Spring 2025 edition of The Corps Environment is now available! This publication highlights how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is turning environmental challenges into mission-ready solutions. Content in this issue includes ongoing projects and initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are leveraging environmental stewardship as a force multiplier — enhancing military readiness, strengthening strategic partnerships and supporting community well-being.
  • An Okinawa Engineer District employee demonstrates the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers electrical capabilities to to Mr. Nagamine, Vice President, Ryukyu Electric Power Corporation and personnel from the government of the Ryukyu Islands (1968).

    Rebuilding a Region: The Corps’ Strategic Shift in Japan (1957–1972)

    The world was changing fast in 1957. The Cold War was heating up, American forces were becoming more entrenched in Asia, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faced a new era of complexity. That year marked the formal creation of the Pacific Ocean Division (POD), a shift that would redefine how U.S. military construction was organized in Japan and
  • Engineers walk down the street in Post-War Okinawa, Japan

    From Ashes to Foundations: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Postwar Japan (1945–1957)

    In the smoldering wake of World War II, few places bore the scars of conflict like Japan. Cities lay in ruins, infrastructure crumbled, and entire populations were left homeless. Into this devastation came a wave of soldiers, engineers, and planners… among them, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.Their mission? To rebuild a nation. But first, they
  • Mr. Peter A. Ridilla, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division (USACE POD) programs director, was recognized during his Senior Executive Service (SES) induction ceremony on the U.S.S. Missouri, Honolulu, Hawaii on May 8, 2025.

    Ridilla inducted into Senior Executive Service

    Mr. Peter A. Ridilla, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division (USACE POD) programs director, was recognized during his Senior Executive Service (SES) induction ceremony on the U.S.S. Missouri, Honolulu, Hawaii on May 8, 2025.
  • Col. Patrick Biggs, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Japan District (USACE JED) explains the fundamentals of engineers to a group of John O. Arnn Elementary School students during their annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Day event, April 23, 2025. As part of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) curriculum, Arnn’s STEAM Day is a fast-paced event where students are introduced to the dynamic world of STEAM.

    Full STEAM ahead at Arnn Elementary

    It was a day of hands-on learning, as Col. Patrick Biggs, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Japan District (USACE JED), visited John O. Arnn Elementary School to participate in their annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Day event.Joining him was JED’s Yokota Resident Office Project Engineer, Capt.

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