Colonel Robert Hilliard has assumed command of the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, succeeding Colonel Sebastien Joly, who retired from service. The formal change of command ceremony took place on October 2 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration in Huntsville, Alabama.
The event, attended by over 300 military personnel, civilian employees, and community leaders, was presided over by Major General Mark Quander, the Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The ceremony marked a significant leadership transition for the organization responsible for specialized engineering solutions worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Col. Robert Hilliard is the new commander of the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville.
- He succeeds Col. Sebastien Joly, who retired after serving as commander since July 2021.
- The Huntsville Center executes over 3,500 contracts annually, valued at more than $2 billion.
- The ceremony underscored the center's role as a technical hub for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A Formal Change in Leadership
The ceremony centered on the traditional passing of the command colors, a guidon symbolizing the transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming one. Major General Mark Quander officiated the formal transition from Col. Joly to Col. Hilliard.
During his opening address, Maj. Gen. Quander highlighted the importance of continuity within the command. He noted that the ceremony signifies not just a change in leadership but the enduring nature of the center's mission and its responsibility to the nation.
"Today this ceremony marks a change in leadership, but it also reminds us of continuity – the mission endures, the trust placed in the Corps endures, the responsibility to soldiers, civilians and our nation endures," said Quander.
He emphasized that he had previously overseen both officers as they departed battalion commands, acknowledging their proven leadership capabilities as they step into new roles.
The Mission and Impact of Huntsville Center
The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville (HNC) serves as a critical asset for the Army Corps of Engineers, providing unique technical expertise and managing complex projects on a global scale. Maj. Gen. Quander described it as the Corps' primary technical resource.
"HNC is our technical center of expertise…if we need something hard done in the Corps and we can't figure it out, we go to the men and women at Huntsville Center," Quander explained. He praised the civilian workforce as the foundation of the center's success.
Huntsville Center by the Numbers
Under Col. Joly's command, the center managed a significant portfolio, executing more than 3,500 contracts valued at over $2 billion annually. This work supports strategic national programs across various sectors.
Key Program Areas
The center's diverse mission set includes several high-priority national interests. These centrally managed programs leverage the organization's specialized engineering and construction capabilities. Key areas of focus include:
- Design and construction of chemical weapons demilitarization facilities worldwide.
- Facility repair and renewal for Army and Air Force installations.
- Management of national energy savings programs.
- Environmental and ordnance remediation projects across the country.
- Design oversight for Army medical facilities.
- Support for overseas contingency operations.
Reflections from an Outgoing Commander
In his farewell address, Colonel Sebastien Joly reflected on his 29-year Army career and his tenure as commander since July 2021. He expressed deep gratitude to his family, mentors, and the colleagues he served alongside throughout his career.
"This is a day of gratitude for 29 years of opportunities, for the privilege of leading here at Huntsville and for the people who made this journey so meaningful," Joly said. He emphasized that his most important legacy was not the projects completed but the people he worked with.
A Legacy of People
Col. Joly stated, "The legacy I leave isn’t about positions held or projects completed. It’s about people: teammates, mentors, friends and especially family." He also expressed his full confidence in his successor's ability to lead the organization forward.
Joly plans to remain in the Huntsville area with his family. His wife, Vanessa Joly, is a teacher at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. Upon concluding his remarks, he received his official retirement certificate from Maj. Gen. Quander.
"The Army gave me purpose. The Corps gave me a mission. And the people gave me memories that will last a lifetime," Joly concluded.
New Leadership and Future Direction
Colonel Robert Hilliard delivered his first address as the new commander, acknowledging the privilege of leading what he described as a unique and incredible organization. He spoke directly to the Huntsville Center workforce, recognizing their vital contributions.
"Command is truly a privilege, and I am both honored and humbled to lead such a unique and incredible organization," Hilliard began. "What you do each and every day for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines as well as our federal partners and nation is absolutely inspiring. You do the hard things that no one else can do."
He committed to building upon the strong foundation established by his predecessors and the dedicated professionals at the center. Hilliard stressed the importance of teamwork and service to the nation.
"Together, we will continue the great legacy that this organization has built through the years – a legacy that makes our military and our nation stronger," he affirmed, setting a collaborative tone for his command.