LOS ANGELES—Col. Kirk Gibbs, the commander of the Los Angeles District, toured several District projects at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, during a visit to the fort Sept. 9-10.
Gibbs, who took command of the District in July, was accompanied by David Van Dorpe, District deputy engineer for programs and project management. Gibbs met with District employees and toured projects as he began his command of the District.
On the first day of the trip, Gibbs and Van Dorpe toured ongoing military construction projects, including a new hospital and a water treatment plant.
“Fort Irwin is such an important Army post, as far as the readiness of our entire Army,” said Gibbs. “To be a partner with them and doing construction that supports that overall readiness mission, which is Gen. Milley’s [Gen. Mark A. Milley, Army chief of staff] number one priority, readiness.”
Gibbs further commented that the work that the District is doing at the NTC supports one of USACE’s Campaign Plan goals of “Support National Security,” in that the District is partnering with the installation to deliver and maintain enduring installations. Also, the water treatment plant construction project, known as the Irwin Water Works, clearly supports another objective of the campaign plan to achieve energy security and sustainability.
During this visit, Gibbs participated in an office luncheon where he presented commander’s coins to Corps team members in recognition of their outstanding work and service awards to people who have completed more than 30 years of government service.
On the second day of the trip, Gibbs toured several projects that support the storm drainage system at the fort and Soldiers barracks. Gibbs also met with key stakeholders and partners at the National Training Center