Photo By Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio | Col. Miro Kurka, outgoing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District...... read more read more
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By Air Force Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio
Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – Army Col. Thomas O'Donovan accepted command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District during a change of command ceremony, July 7, at the Afghanistan Engineer District in Kabul, Afghanistan.
O'Donovan takes command of the AED from Army Col. Miroslav Kurka.
After the invocation and presentation of colors, the 82nd Airborne Division Band played the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and U.S. National Anthems.
Honoring tradition, a guidon featuring the unit's colors was passed from Kurka to O'Donovan through Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan commanding general, to symbolize the change of command.
Following the passing of the guidon, Cone spoke about the accomplishments of the AED in Kurka's tenure.
"Col. Kurka has successfully managed a $2 billion program and through his personal efforts, the Afghan Engineer District expanded to meet ever-expanding theater infrastructure developments," Cone said. "His leadership has contributed greatly to the future of Afghanistan."
Under Kurka's command, the AED provided engineering and construction capability to the Afghan national army and police, U.S. and coalition forces. During his speech, Cone noted specific accomplishments, such as the start-up of four ANA camps, contracts that contributed to 593 kilometers of roads throughout Afghanistan, a tanker truck off-load facility at Bagram Air Base and the construction of more than 200 ANP facilities.
Cone also welcomed O'Donovan and expressed his confidence in the future of the AED.
"I am extremely confident that Col. O'Donovan and his team will maintain the momentum of this great organization," Cone said. "It is a vital mission, developing the infrastructure of Afghanistan."
O'Donovan deployed to the AED after commanding the USACE Portland District for three years. In Portland, he was responsible for the Corps' water resource activities in western Oregon and southwestern Washington.
O'Donovan outlined his hopes for the future of the district.
"We have a critical mission to accomplish in support of our many key partners," O'Donovan said. "We will accomplish that mission in the way that the Corps of Engineers always does, by getting results on the ground."
| Date Taken: | 07.07.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2008 11:47 |
| Story ID: | 21258 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 395 |
| Downloads: | 136 |
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