Colonel D. Peter Helmlinger assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division, August 18, 2016, during a formal change of command ceremony at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito, California. 

“My pledge as Division Commander is to take care of people, support our partners, and deliver our programs,” Col. Helmlinger said during remarks at the ceremony. “Together, we will continue to make a difference and achieve the USACE vision of engineering solutions for our Nation’s toughest challenges.”

The change of command ceremony emphasizes the continuity of leadership and unit identity. Ceremonies like the change of the command are honored tradition and add color and pageantry to military life. The change of command ceremony is a reflected of procedures practiced since the nation's earliest days.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division provides vital engineering solutions in collaboration with partners to secure the nation, energize the economy and reduce risk from disaster. South Pacific Division operates in in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and in parts of Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Texas.

Prior to assuming command at South Pacific Division, Colonel Pete Helmlinger served as Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He was commissioned as an Engineer Officer from the U.S. Military Academy in 1988 and received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering & Management) from Stanford University and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.