REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – A significant transition took place within the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, as Colonel Robert Hilliard assumed command, succeeding Colonel Sebastien Joly during a ceremony held on October 2 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration.
The change of command ceremony was led by Major General Mark Quander, the Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations at Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The event symbolized the transfer of command as Quander passed the guidon, a representation of leadership and trust, from Joly to Hilliard.
In his remarks, Quander highlighted the enduring mission and responsibilities of the Huntsville Center, which provides specialized technical expertise and solutions in support of national interests. He emphasized the importance of continuity as the mission persists despite changes in leadership.
“HNC is our technical center of expertise… if we need something hard done in the Corps and we can’t figure it out, we go to the men and women at Huntsville Center,” Quander remarked, acknowledging the vital work performed by the personnel there.
Colonel Joly, who has served as the commander since July 2021, reflected on his nearly three decades of military service, expressing gratitude to those who have impacted his career. He recognized the significance of relationships built along the way and underscored that his legacy was about the people he worked with, rather than the positions he held or projects he completed.
“This is a day of gratitude for 29 years of opportunities, for the privilege of leading here at Huntsville, and for the people who made this journey so meaningful,” Joly stated, as he prepared to pass command to Hilliard.
Under Joly’s leadership, the Huntsville Center executed over 3,500 contracts worth more than $2 billion annually. These contracts supported significant national programs, including the design and construction of chemical weapons demilitarization facilities, facility repairs for Army and Air Force installations, and various environmental remediation initiatives.
While handing over command, Joly expressed complete confidence in Hilliard’s leadership, noting that he was passing the organization to a capable leader who would guide a skilled team adept at facing formidable challenges.
Hilliard addressed the attendees, which included officers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Redstone Arsenal leaders, community partners, and current and former Huntsville Center employees. He expressed his honor and humility at taking command of such a unique organization and acknowledged the critical mission that the personnel undertake daily.
“What you do each and every day for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, as well as our federal partners and nation, is absolutely inspiring. You do the hard things that no one else can do,” Hilliard remarked, paying tribute to the dedication of his new team.
In closing, Hilliard spoke about the legacy of the Huntsville Center and the importance of collaboration in serving the nation, pledging to build upon the strong foundation laid by previous leaders.
Upon his retirement, Joly plans to remain in the Huntsville area, where his wife, Vanessa Joly, is employed at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. Reflecting on his years of service at the end of the ceremony, Joly shared his heartfelt appreciation for the journey.
“In closing, I want to say thank you for the trust, the opportunities, the laughter, and the privilege of serving,” he concluded. “The Army gave me purpose. The Corps gave me a mission, and the people gave me memories that will last a lifetime.”
image source from：army
