A season of change: Lt. Col. Haynes takes command at ERDC as legacy and mission continue

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center marked a formal transition of command Tuesday as Col. Christian Patterson handed leadership to Lt. Col. Joshua Haynes during a Change of Command ceremony at ERDC headquarters.

Held in the main auditorium on Halls Ferry Road, the time-honored tradition marked a ceremonial transition of authority and responsibility—symbolizing continuity in the face of mission-critical evolution.

ERDC Director Dr. Beth Fleming opened the ceremony by commending Col. Patterson’s contributions during his tenure.

“I thank Col. Patterson so much for your service,” Fleming said. “He has been so instrumental in advancing all of the things that we need to get done. Whether it would be communications, logistics—all the many things that we try to do within ERDC. A very important part of what this position does is support our infrastructure and the ability to get new equipment and capabilities within ERDC.”

In his farewell remarks, Patterson reflected on the center’s resilience and determination through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

“ERDC family, as I’m prepared to take my seat, and as I’ve reminded you all before, we faced difficult days during COVID and continue to work through a season of change within our operational space today,” he said. “As we march toward victory in the face of challenges, we must remember how Aristotle felt about resilience. That great Greek philosopher long ago said that happiness depends upon ourselves. And friends, as we seize the moment at this hour, the champ Muhammad Ali emphasized that we must not count days, but we must make the days count.”

Incoming commander Lt. Col. Haynes acknowledged the magnitude of the role and the legacy he inherits.

“It is a true honor to stand before you and accept the responsibility of command of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center,” Haynes said. “ERDC is a cornerstone of Army innovation, and it’s both humbling and inspiring to take this role.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor’s impact.

“Colonel Patterson, thank you for your leadership and commitment to ERDC’s mission,” he said. “You’ve advanced this organization during a time of rapid change and growing complexity. From modernization of infrastructure to advancing military engineering and environmental research, your impact will resonate long after today. It’s an honor to follow in your footsteps.”

While Lt. Col. Haynes is the official new commander of the Vicksburg branch, for the foreseeable future, he will travel back and forth from Ft. Worth due to Col. Calvin A. Kroeger, Ft. Worth ERDCs commander, being assigned to a national mission.

With seven specialized laboratories across four states and more than 2,500 employees, ERDC is widely regarded as a global leader in engineering and scientific research. The organization supports the U.S. Army, Department of Defense and the nation through the development of forward-looking technologies that improve safety, resilience and operational performance worldwide.