Change of Command at USACE Task Force Recovery

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Task Force Recovery held a change of command on August 29, 2018, where Maj. Scotty Autin assumed command of the Task Force Commander from Lt. Col. John D. Cunningham.

Major Scotty Autin currently serves as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angles District Deputy Commander, Photo Credit: Andrew Kornacki

Maj. Autin currently serves as the USACE Los Angles District Deputy Commander.

“It has been an honor serving with all the dedicated professionals of the unified response and recovery efforts here in Puerto Rico,” said Lt. Col. Cunningham. “The Corps of Engineers remains committed completing our assigned recovery mission and to finishing strong for the people Puerto Rico.”

Lt. Col. Cunningham returns to his assignment as USACE Portland District Deputy Commander.

“It’s amazing to see the amount of work our team has accomplished so far. I am always impressed with their professionalism and drive,” said Maj. Autin.

“As we approach the one year milestone of the storm, there is still work to accomplish here on the island, said Maj. Autin. I have closely followed the emergency response and recovery efforts, and my focus will be to complete these mission in a timely and efficient manner.”

The Corps of Engineers has a permanent presence on the island, with the USACE Jacksonville District Antilles office commanded by Maj. Alexander Walker, to provide federally authorized navigation, ecosystem restoration and flood damage reduction projects across the island.

Long-term Corps of Engineers missions total approximately $2.3 billion including:

  • Arecibo Harbor, Operation and Maintenance Dredging, $6,300,000;
  • Christiansted Harbor, Operation and Maintenance Dredging, $400,000;
  • Mayaquez Harbor, Operation and Maintenance Dredging, $6,000,000;
  • Ponce Harbor, Operation and Maintenance Dredging, $1,600,000;
  • Rio Puerto Nuevo, Operation and Maintenance Dredging, $8,285,000;
  • Rio Puerto Nuevo, Construction, $1,552,453,000;
  • Rio de La Plata, Construction, $500,000,000;
  • Rio Grande de Arecibo, Construction, $82,892,000;
  • Rio Grande de Loiza, Construction, $250,00,000, etc.