Colonel Kenneth P. Rockwell assumed the duties as the deputy commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division on August 26, 2026.
As deputy commander of the “Pacesetter” Division, Rockwell provides leadership and direction to five districts headquartered in Fort Worth and Galveston, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Winchester, Virginia. Together, the districts deliver a broad range of civil works, military and emergency management missions in the United States and overseas that strengthen national security, energize the economy and reduce disaster risk.
Across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, the division manages critical water resources infrastructure that keeps commerce moving, reduces flood risk, supports reliable water supplies and provides recreation and environmental benefits across more than 2.3 million acres of public land and water. The division also delivers engineering and infrastructure solutions supporting military installations and responds when disasters affect communities within and beyond the region.
Through its Middle East District, the division supports U.S. Central Command across its area of responsibility and U.S. Special Operations Command requirements, delivering infrastructure and mission-essential capabilities that strengthen partnerships, regional security and enduring U.S. strategic interests.
“I’m excited to join the Southwestern Division and work alongside the professionals across our five districts,” Rockwell said. “SWD has an incredibly diverse mission, from delivering critical water resources infrastructure here at home to supporting our military and partners overseas. My focus is on understanding the needs of our districts and helping remove obstacles so our teams can continue delivering for the communities and partners we serve.”
Col. Rockwell was commissioned as an Army engineer officer in 1999 after graduating from Texas A&M University. During more than 26 years of service, he has led Army and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers organizations and served in operational, strategic and interagency assignments. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Prior to joining Southwestern Division, Col. Rockwell commanded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District, where he led a team responsible for federal water resources, navigation, environmental and infrastructure missions across portions of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. He previously served as the senior engineer for U.S. Army North and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
Col. Rockwell’s previous leadership assignments include command of the 27th Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and service as the deputy engineer for the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps. Earlier in his career, he served in a variety of engineer leadership and staff positions throughout the United States and overseas.
His career also includes assignments at the national and interagency levels. Col. Rockwell served at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he served as executive officer to the deputy commanding general, working with the Corps’ senior leaders on enterprise-wide priorities, operations, and major national response efforts, including the response and recovery following Hurricane Sandy. He later served as an interagency fellow at the Department of Homeland Security, helping coordinate policy among the departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and Justice.
“Col. Rockwell brings a vast wealth of leadership and operational experience to the Southwestern Division,” said Brig. Gen. Walter, Southwestern Division commander. “His experience leading complex organizations and working across military, interagency, and civilian partnerships will be a tremendous asset to our team. I look forward to serving alongside him as we continue delivering for the Army, our partners, and the communities we serve.”
The Southwestern Division’s five districts represent the breadth of the Army Corps of Engineers mission. From navigation and flood-risk reduction to hardened facilities and expeditionary support, the division combines stateside strength with overseas reach. Learn more about the Southwestern Division at: [www.swd.usace.army.mil](http://www.swd.usace.army.mil)
| Date Taken: |
09.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
09.01.2026 13:55 |
| Story ID: |
573686 |
| Location: |
DALLAS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: |
18 |
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