LITTLE ROCK, AR — Colonel Patrick W. Caukin assumes command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Little Rock District during a ceremony at the Robinson Center in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. He assumes command from Colonel Damon M. Knarr, who is retiring after 27 years of service in the U.S. Army.
Little Rock District manages approximately $8 billion in public infrastructure. The district is responsible for maintaining 12 reservoirs, 13 navigation locks and dams, seven hydroelectric power plants, 168 recreation areas, and 308 miles of commercial navigation channel.
The district has a staff of about 700 employees responsible for engineering, environmental, real estate, contracting, and other needs associated with federal, state, and local programs.
Caukin comes to the Little Rock District from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he also earned his commission through the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Caukin holds a Master of Science in public administration from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, in addition to a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
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He is a graduate of Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff Officer’s Course, Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, Airborne School, and the Jumpmaster Course.
Caukin has held a wide range of command and staff assignments across the U.S. and abroad. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Recruiting Badge. He is also a certified Project Management Professional.
