The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, will host a relinquishment of command ceremony at 10 a.m. May 13 in the Bob Jones Auditorium on Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama.
Col. Robert J. Ruch (Rook), who has been the Huntsville Center commander since July 26, 2012, is retiring following a 30-year military career, and will relinquish command to Lt. Col. Burlin L. Emery. Emery has been the Center’s deputy commander for the past nine months. Maj. Gen. Mark W. Yenter, USACE Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations, will preside over the ceremony.
Ruch will pass the Huntsville Center guidon to Emery during a traditional military ceremony. The traditional hand-off signifies relinquishment of command by the outgoing commander and the assumption of command by the incoming commander.
The Huntsville Center, located at 4820 University Square in Huntsville, employs nearly 900, mostly civilian employees. Its mission is to provide specialized technical expertise, global engineering solutions, and cutting edge innovations through centrally managed programs in support of national interests.
Media wishing to attend should call 256-895-1694 by close of business May 10.
Release no. 16-023