With flags flying and the U.S. Army Band playing, Maj. Gen. Carl A. Strock assumed command on July 1 of the Corps of Engineers from Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers, before hundreds of spectators, including family members, dignitaries, troops and four retired Corps chiefs, in a ceremony at Fort Myer, Va.

To signal the change of command, Flowers presented the Corps flag to Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, who gave it to Strock, the Army's 51st Chief of Engineers. Strock also received from Flowers his gold insignia, which originally belonged to Gen. Douglas MacArthur.