VICKSBURG, Miss.–The United State Army Core of Engineers Vicksburg District had a change of command ceremony on Friday at the headquarters.
Colonel Jeffrey R. Eckstein handed over the reins to Colonel John W. Cross in a flag ceremony during the event.
“It’s rare that a military officer gets to come home and serve the people he grew up with,” said Col. Cross.
Cross is originally from Laurel, Miss. only a few hours away from where he will now be serving.
Col. Eckstein served his three year term in Vicksburg and joked during the ceremony that he’s staying close-by taking another job if Col. Cross had any questions.
The Vicksburg District of the Mississippi River Basin is known for its tough navigation and extensive levee system.
“We going to be exercising the stewardship over those resources and serving the nation.”
Many of the civilian and military employees of the USACE who are serving overseas now were also honored during the event.
