Build strong. Army strong.

The motto was repeated throughout the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Change of Command Ceremony Tuesday at the Vicksburg Convention Center as Colonel John W. Cross, outgoing commander of the Army Corps’ Vicksburg District, transferred his command to Colonel Michael C. Derosier.

The motto stands as a reminder that though commands may change, the same goals remain.

“There’s a little bit of anxiety that takes place when change happens,” officiate Major General Michael C. Wehr, commander of the Mississippi Valley Division, said at the ceremony. “Our nation is strong because of it. Whenever there is change, people are here to make it work, and there are great people in this district to help bring it together.”

“(The corps) is a very powerful team that the federal dollar is spent on because it’s worth it. It’s an effective team.”

For the last three years, Colonel John W. Cross, who plans to retire from the Army after 30 years of service at the end of the week, has led Vicksburg District’s team. Wehr recounted several of Cross’ accomplishments as commander, including his leadership through working to modernize the corps’ mat sinking unit, which helps prevent erosion on the Mississippi, and during the record flooding of winter 2015.

Wehr described the ceremony as a bittersweet experience.

“It’s never easy stepping down from command,” Cross said, noting he is glad to have time to spend with family and other pursuits. “I did really well today. I didn’t lose it while we were doing the change over (ceremony) so I feel pretty good about that.”

Cross said each day he looked at the photo of each former district commander hanging in his office.

“Seeing those faces reminded me of duty, responsibility, self-sacrifice, caring, and supporting the nation among other things,” he said. “Each commander has contributed to the many successes of the district and the positive impact it’s had on local communities.”

Cross’ photo will now join those hanging on the wall as Derosier takes over command and carries on the district’s mission.

Derosier, who has more than a decade of experience with the Army Corp, was deputy commander of the district for a little more than a year before taking his newest position. He said he and wife Monica are excited to take “the next step in our Army adventure.”

“It is with an immense amount of pride…I continue the work of executing our civil works mission to include partnering across the region in order to deliver value to the nation,” he said. “There is no doubt that the Mississippi River and its tributaries are a national treasure and the interests in the this region are varied. What both history and I think experience tells us is the river will continue to draw us to her, to appreciate her, to respect her and to nurture her in a way that unites us all in cause and purpose.”

The Vicksburg District encompasses 68,000-square-miles across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana and has approximately 980 civilian employees.