Colonel Kelcey R. Shaw took command of the Mobile District in July 2025, bringing an extensive and distinguished military background. Originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, Colonel Shaw’s career has been marked by a series of challenging and impactful roles, showcasing his dedication to service and leadership.
Following graduation from Tuskegee University and Engineer Officer Basic Course, Colonel Shaw served as an Airborne Platoon Leader in the 30th Engineer Battalion, part of the 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat) (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His platoon completed one of the initial deployments to combat following the tragic events of 9/11. He later held the positions of Executive Officer for the Headquarters Company of the same brigade and Assistant Operations Officer for the 30th Engineer Battalion.
Subsequently, Colonel Shaw served as the Assistant Brigade Engineer for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany. He enhanced his operational knowledge as the Deputy Team Chief for the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, of the 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division in Baghdad, Iraq. Additionally, he commanded the Headquarters Company for the 40th Engineer Battalion and worked as the Assistant Brigade Plans Officer for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany, completing two deployments to Iraq.
Colonel Shaw contributed to the education and training of future leaders, serving as the Senior Small Group Leader, Instructor, and Writer for the Engineer Captains Career Course at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After completing the Air Command and Staff College, he further served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Chief of Engineers at Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C.
His later assignments included serving as Operations Officer and then Executive Officer for the 249th Engineer Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Then, to enhance his interagency skills, he served as an Interagency Fellow at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Following this fellowship, Colonel Shaw took on the role of Chief of Engineer Plans at U.S. Central Command, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Colonel Shaw commanded the 27th Engineer Battalion (Airborne), part of the 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, NC, and deployed to Kuwait. After completing his battalion command, he was selected to serve as a Military Assistant in the Immediate Office of the Secretary of the Army.
His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (with oak leaf cluster) and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others. An accomplished scholar, Colonel Shaw holds multiple graduate degrees and is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Project Management Professional. He and his wife, Mrs. Erica Shaw, have two children, twins named Emerson and Anderson