Brigadier General William C. “Bill” Hannan, Jr. assumed command of the Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), on June 28, 2024.
The Northwestern Division is headquartered in Portland Oregon and delivers vital engineering solutions covering over 1 million square miles and parts of 16 states. As division commander, he is responsible for providing guidance and direction to five districts with a combined professional workforce of nearly 5,800. The division’s civil works mission provides planning, construction, operation of navigation structures, flood risk reduction, hydropower, environmental restoration, water management, recreation, and disaster response. Its military mission includes some of the Nation’s most strategic bases and involves design and construction of operations buildings, airfields, barracks, hospitals, command headquarters and multiple other types of facilities directly improving lethality, readiness and quality of life.
Prior to his arrival at Northwestern Division, Hannan commanded USACE’s Transatlantic Division and led its program delivering innovative design, construction, engineering, and contingency solutions in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations, and other global partners. He has served at various locations throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, including two deployments to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. Other key assignments include Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation – Iraq (OSC-I), Commander of USACE’s Kansas City District, Director of Academic Operations of the US Army War College, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Engineer School, Commander, 35th Engineer Battalion, Chief of Engineer Engagements for the Deputy Chief of Staff - Engineer, U.S. Army Pacific, and Commander 565th Forward Engineer Support Team – Advance.
A native of Ohio, Hannan, was commissioned in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1997 after graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He also holds master’s degrees in engineering management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Hannan’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Silver de Fleury Medal.