Portland, Ore. – Col. Aaron L. Dorf became commander of the Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during a ceremony, here, today.
Dorf took command from Col. Jose Aguilar, who served as commander of Portland District since April 15, 2014.
The Portland District is responsible for the Corps’ water resource activities in western Oregon and southwestern Washington and has one of the Corps’ most comprehensive and diversified civil works programs. The District places emphasis on environmental protection and restoration, fish and wildlife protection and enhancement, hydropower production, navigation, flood risk management, recreation and operation of the Corps’ center of expertise for hydropower and pump station engineering.
Before taking command at Portland District, Dorf was a student at the National Security Program at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, Canada. Before attending the Canadian Forces College, he commanded the 3rd Engineer Battalion at McGregor Range, New Mexico from 2011 to 2013. Dorf commanded the 5th Engineer Detachment from 2010 to 2011 and served as the branch chief and master instructor for Advanced Geospatial Intelligence programs from 2004 to 2010. He received his U.S. Army commission in 1993 and has served in leadership and staff positions in the Middle East, the Republic of Korea, Cuba and throughout the United States.
Dorf holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Science from the University of Maine and a Master of Science in Defense Geographic Information from Cranfield University. His military education includes the engineer officer's basic and advance courses and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Course.
Dorf’s military awards and decorations include two Bronze Star medals, the Defense Meritorious Service medal, five Meritorious Service medals, two Joint Service Commendation medals, two Joint Service Achievement medals, the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment’s Bronze de Fleury Medal, the Ranger and Sapper tabs, the Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.