Page 11 - Port of Baltimore - Issue 4 - 2024

NEWSMAKERS
Pera Assumes Command
of Army Corps of Engineers’ Baltimore District
Col. Francis Pera became the 70th Commander and District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, during a change of command ceremony at the Washington Aqueduct in Washington, DC on July 25.
Pera assumed command from Col. Estee Pinchasin, who had served in the role since July 2021.
A graduate of West Point, Pera takes command
of one the largest USACE districts, with a staff of approximately 1,200 employees delivering a program of over $4 billion annually, providing vital engineering, design, construction and water resources management solutions to the mid-Atlantic region. The district’s area of responsibility spans the Susquehanna River, Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, and 7,000 miles of coastline.
Pera also formally takes on the title of “Supervisor of the Harbor” for Baltimore Harbor, overseeing the USACE missions supporting the efficient operations of the Port of Baltimore. Earlier this year, Baltimore District was part of the Unified Command response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and played a critical role in re-opening the Fort McHenry Federal Channel to commercial maritime traffic into the Port of Baltimore.
Col. Francis Pera became the 70th Commander and District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, during a change of command ceremony at the Washington Aqueduct in Washington D.C., July 25, 2024.
“I am absolutely honored to be the newest member of this amazing Baltimore team,” said Pera. “I look forward to continuing upon the great success with our partners, in support of our communities and our nation’s security.”
Pinchasin’s next assignment is at Fort Meade, where she will work on planning and construction for National Security Agency facilities.
“It has been a true honor and privilege to serve on this team,” said Pinchasin. “I am so proud knowing this is who we have doing the work and building our country. I wish all our citizens knew who they have working for them all the time. It is unbelievably inspiring.” 
EVENTS
MDOT Officials Lend a Hand for
Back-to- School Event
Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels joined other officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation
on July 25 to help the Boys &
Girls Club of Metropolitan
Baltimore provide 1,000
school supply
kits to students
in need. 
PHOTO BYTHOMAS DEATON, U.S. ARMY
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