Col. C. David Turner accepted Command of the South Pacific Division from the Chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Tom Bostick during a ceremony June 19 at the Bay Model in Sausalito, Calif. Turner assumed command from Col. Andrew Nelson, who is resuming duties as the Division Deputy Commander.
Turner previously served as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since February 2013.
After the passing of the Corps of Engineers flag, symbolizing the change of command, Turner emphasized his desire to visit each area of the division.
“I look forward to working with the command team, the members of this important South Pacific Division, and getting out to the districts to learn and listen about your mission,” Turner said.
The new division commander also stressed the importance of sustaining and building new partnerships.
“To our partners, I will listen to you. What you have to say is very important,” Turner said. “I look extremely forward to forging new chapters in this great division’s lineage.”
Bostick commented on the quality of leadership he has seen this year within South Pacific Division.
“It may seem like a short time, but a lot has happened in these months, and Colonel Nelson and the team here have carried a heavy load in terms of execution,” Bostick said.
According to Bostick, the incoming commander is a people person who takes command of the South Pacific Division after being in the middle of a lot of tough assignments.
“He comes to the division with a tremendous wealth of experience,” Bostick said. “So we are very fortunate to have him here.”