Col. Frederick L. Clapp, during change-of-command ceremonies Thursday. (The Vicksburg Post/C. TODD SHERMAN)

[06/08/01] Col. Frederick “Rick” Clapp Jr. was formally made leader of the Vicksburg District of the Army Corps of Engineers Thursday, succeeding Vicksburg native Col. Robert Crear who has headed operations since May 1988.

Clapp joined the District from his post as deputy commander of the Mississippi Valley Division and secretary of the Mississippi River Commission, also based in Vicksburg. Crear will go to Washington, D.C., to become chief of staff of the Corps of Engineers.

Clapp is a native of Columbus, Ga., and is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. He received master’s degrees in civil engineering and construction management from the University of Florida and Boston University. He and his wife, Robin, have a son who is a cadet at West Point, a daughter who is in high school and another son in the seventh grade.

During the change-of-command ceremony at the Vicksburg District’s headquarters building on East Clay Street Thursday, Brig. Gen. Edwin Arnold Jr., commander of the Mississippi Valley Division, to which the District reports, and president designate of the Mississippi River Commission, awarded Crear the Legion of Merit Medal for his service as District commander.

Of Clapp, Arnold said the new commander has had a variety of jobs with the Corps.

“I have every confidence that he is well-suited to the job that is ahead,” Arnold said. “I would like to give you a challenge of my own, and that is to continue the outstanding tradition of this District.”

Clapp said he was proud to lead the District and complimented Crear, saying the outgoing commander left the District in better shape than when he assumed command.

The Corps of Engineers is the U.S. Army’s civil works branch, conducting water control, recreation and environmental work. From Washington, work is conducted through six divisions, including the division based here, and districts. Including research facilities, the Corps employs about 3,000 people in Vicksburg.