I’m the new Deputy District Commander which means I have several hats that I wear. Most prominent is acting as the District Commander’s Chief of Staff which means ensuring synchronization of the Districts efforts.

What is the most unique thing you bring to the District?

An outside perspective. My background in the Army is very tactical, so I am seeing the Charleston District enterprise with a fresh set of eyes.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The people! I’m a big people person so I’ve loved meeting the team over this first week or two. I get energy from being a part of a team, and the Charleston team is a great one to be on.

Highlight a notable milestone or memory in your career.

In 2012 I was a Company Commander in the 82^nd Airborne Division on Global Response Force status. We were activated and given no-notice orders to Afghanistan as part of the surge there.

What goals do you have for your career at the Charleston District?

First and foremost I want to be a contributing member of the team; doing whatever I can to help the district and our employees succeed. Second, I want to learn the USACE system and culture.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I’m a big college sports fan.

News/News Release Search

Tag

Start & End Date

News Archive

@USACEHQ

RT @StPaulUSACE: #TBT to 1976 for a rare view of a completely empty lock chamber at Lock and Dam 7 in #LaCrescent, #Minnesota. To keep our…

RT @USACE_Buffalo: 🕰️ For decades, it’s been a favorite spot for fishing, strolling & accessing the iconic Huron Lighthouse. But after more…

RT @USACE_Buffalo: Great to welcome the Division Commander and Programs Director of USACE Great Lakes and Ohio Division to Buffalo! They to…

RT @USACESacramento: Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle and @RepVinceFong (CA-20) toured our Pine Flat Lake and Dam…

The future of the @USArmy runs on #AI. At @armyerdc, engineers are building the tools for smarter civil works, more efficient operations & a better-equipped Warfighter. Learn more on the "Power of ERDC" #podcast. 🗓️ Jan 20, 10 a.m. CST 🎧 https://t.co/UZUXSoszbj https://t.co/jRt2khhuHj

RT @USACE_ABQ: 🧊Even on clear ice that’s at least 4 inches thick, you should always wear a #lifejacket and carry ice rescue picks or claws.…

RT @ArmyERDC: Tune in this morning to Beyond the Gates to hear Brent Towne, research civil engineer with the Geotechnical & Structures Lab,…

Every year, our Seattle District clears tons of debris from the Puget Sound and its tributaries. But what happens to that material after they’ve been salvaged? Learn more: https://t.co/4YSlQgM4VS

RT @USACERockIsland: When U.S. Army engineers are called to deploy for critical infrastructure support overseas, a Forward Engineer Support…

Moments ago, during his state of the state address, WA Gov. Bob Ferguson discussed recent atmospheric rivers in the region and USACE contributions to the response. We were honored to stand with our partners in supporting the life, health and safety of all those affected. https://t.co/8jjslN6BlN

RT @USACESacramento: Along the Yuba River, you may encounter Daguerre Point Dam, a low-head dam. Low-head dams may be dangerous for waterwa…

RT @USArmy: 2026 Big Army updates are coming. Tune in to our YouTube channel tomorrow at noon EST to watch our special Army event. https:…

RT @ArmyERDC: ERDC is supporting the innovative use of Pacific Northwest timber in the construction of barracks at @JBLM_PAO. By leveraging…

The Jan. 7 Los Angeles County wildfires debris removal operation was one of our largest, most challenging missions. More than 1,400 USACE personnel deployed from across the nation and from our district to support debris removal operations. /6

But we did not do this alone. The success of this important mission was the result of strong partnerships with FEMA, Cal OES, LA County, local governments and impacted communities. /5

To date, USACE has removed more than 2.6 million tons of debris — the equivalent of more than 218,000 truckloads. /4

We are proud of our efforts, alongside our partners, to rapidly come to the aid of our fellow citizens in their time of need. In just six months, more than 9,500 properties were cleared — making this the fastest, large-scale wildfire debris removal in USACE history. /3

After the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was laser-focused on removing immediate hazards to public health and safety, and supporting economic recovery by removing structural ash, debris and foundations. /2

This week marks one year since the January 2025 Southern California wildfires began. On Jan. 17, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began its debris removal mission, which was a critical step in the road to recovery. https://t.co/iF1yZ5D6CP

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today the publication of the 2026 nationwide permits in the Federal Register. Learn more: https://t.co/3IzyxdqV3P

46,754

News Releases

Meet Our: Maj. Joseph Owens

By Sean McBride

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District

Published Aug. 25, 2020

PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES 1 of 1

Meet our new deputy commander, Maj. Joseph Owens.

PRINT | E-MAIL

Explain your job in a few sentences.