Mr. Douglas C. Otto, Jr., assumed his position as Chief of Engineering Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, in May 2008. As Chief of Engineering Division he is responsible for a multi-discipline, professional workforce of 150 who provide engineering services for the District’s Military, Civil Works, Hazardous, Toxic and Radiological Waste, and Support for Others Programs.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Otto served as Chief of Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch for Engineering Division from June 2001 to May 2008. Since beginning his career as an Engineering Division, Student Trainee in 1977, Mr. Otto’s assignments have included Hydraulic Engineer, Civil Works Project Manager, Engineering Division Section Chief, and a temporary detail as Assistant Chief of Operations Division.
Mr. Otto holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a registered professional engineer in Alabama and is Facility Engineer Level III certified. Mr. Otto is also a graduate of the USAF Air Command and Staff College and the USAF Air War College.
He completed 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR). He became a commissioned U.S. Air Force (USAF) officer in January 1985 upon successful completion of Officer Training School. Following graduation from Undergraduate Pilot Training, Mr. Otto was assigned to the 815th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi. While in the USAFR, Mr. Otto served as a C-130/WC-130 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot and held numerous leadership positions to include Commander of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” from 2006 through 2009. Upon achieving the rank of Colonel, Mr. Otto entered the individual mobilization augmentee program at 1st Air Force, Tyndall AFB, Florida.
Mr. Otto’s USACE awards include Commander’s Award for Civilian Service (3 Awards), Mobile Area Council of Engineers 2005 Civil Engineer of the Year, and Mobile Area Council of Engineers 2006 Engineer of the Year. His Air Force awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Aerial Achievement Medal (10 awards), the Air Force Achievement Medal, the 2012 1st Air Force (AF) Emergency Preparedness Officer of the Year Award, and the 1st AF 2013 Harlon Crim Award.