Mobile, Alabama – Col. Sebastien P. Joly assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District during a change of command ceremony presided by Brigadier General Diana M. Holland, South Atlantic Division Commander, on June 29, 2018, at the Renaissance Riverview Hotel in Mobile, Ala.
Joly, who comes to Mobile after serving as an Operations Officer in the Directorate of Regional Operations and Global Force Management for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., said he is honored to be commanding such a prestigious and distinguished District.
"I am truly honored and humbled to be entrusted with the privilege of commanding the Mobile District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers," said Joly. "The breadth and scale of the work this District is responsible for in performing service to the nation, is virtually unmatched."
Joly takes over for the outgoing commander Col. James A. DeLapp, who commanded the District the past two years. Joly thanked DeLapp for his support in assuming command and wished him well in the future.
"I want to thank Col. DeLapp for such a great transition and taking the time to answer my countless questions and requests as I prepare to attempt the challenging job of filling the big shoes Col. DeLapp is leaving behind," Joly said. "You made the transition very easy and I’m grateful to join such a well led and high-performing team. Best of luck as you close this chapter in your life and start your next."
Brig. Gen. Holland, who was the presiding officer of the ceremony, wished Col. Joly and his family well as he assumed command of the Mobile District.
"I want to extend my welcome to Col. Joly to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mobile District," Holland said. "Col. Joly comes to Mobile, having distinguished himself as a career officer and a leader. I know that with his command skills he will continue the legacy of excellence that Mobile District has provided to the Nation."
During his speech, Joly thanked the employees of Mobile District for their help in his transition and he also told the stakeholders and partners of USACE that he was looking forward to building upon the relationship they had formed with Col DeLapp.
"To the employees of the Mobile District who have already begun the process of onboarding and educating me on the District’s programs and processes these past few weeks, thank you," Joly said. "I look forward to working arm-in-arm with you as we engineer solutions for the nation’s toughest challenges. To our partners and stakeholders, I am confident that together, maintaining open lines of communication, we can accomplish amazing things for the American people."
Joly, who comes to the District along with his wife Vanessa and his children Emma and Gabe, thanked them for their support and looked forward to continuing the success of the District as its new commander.
"Without my family’s love, support and resilience I would never have been able to fully embrace each assignment the Army has presented throughout my career," said Joly. "I truly feel blessed to join this proud team, and you can count on me to work tirelessly to contribute to your success."
Mobile District Change of Command (29 JUN 2018) v2.pdf