SEATTLE — Maj. Gen. Mark Quander, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HQ deputy commanding general for military construction and international operations, toured Joint Base Lewis-McChord on March 31, 2026, to learn about Seattle District projects at JBLM and their importance to national security.

The Seattle District describes itself as a “full service” district with both civil works and military construction/interagency programs supporting Army and Air Force installations across the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Its interagency program enables the district to deliver projects on behalf of non-Department of War agencies such as the VA, USDA, Bureau of Land Management and more.

The visit, conducted in coordination with JBLM Directorate of Public Works, allowed Quander to learn about past, present and future Seattle District projects on JBLM, their importance to national security, and how the district supports soldiers and airmen on the largest Army installation west of the Rocky Mountains and a strategic deployment hub for the Indo-Pacific region.

During the tour, Quander commended the district and echoed his support toward enabling USACE to construct military projects “faster, more efficient and together” with partners.

Photos from the visit show Quander speaking with Seattle District leaders and the general contractor team at a barracks construction site for one of the largest mass timber projects in the Department of War. The project is part of the Mass Timber Pilot Program; the U.S. Army selected the 1st Special Forces Group - Airborne barracks project for this program in early 2023, currently one of two JBLM pilot projects evaluating sustainable materials and their effect on cost, environmental resiliency and construction schedule.

Seattle District Chief of Construction Violet Albright highlighted the district's barracks construction portfolio on JBLM, noting its potential to transform the installation's housing and improve soldier quality of life. The combined USACE team of engineers, quality assurance and construction representatives is on site with the general contractor team, supporting the three-phase quality control process to ensure a quality product for the customer.