By Avery Schneider
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, a Beaufort, S.C., native and a veteran of the Afghanistan war, assumed command Thursday, July 18, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District.
Burnham will lead the district’s more than 300 team members, be responsible for projects in 16 commercial and 19 recreational Great Lakes harbors, assume leadership of the Radiological Waste Design Center for USACE’s Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, oversee operation of the Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area and the historic Black Rock Lock, as well as many other roles across a more than 38,000 square mile area of responsibility.
“The Buffalo District has long embodied the values of service, integrity, and innovation. As we mark this transition, we celebrate our past achievements and reaffirm our dedication to excellence in the future. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lt. Col. Milliman for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication. His commitment and tireless efforts have significantly impacted the Buffalo District and the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division,” Division Commander Maj. Gen. Mark C. Quander said. “As we look ahead, we will continue to build stronger, smarter, and more resilient communities across the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division. We are excited to welcome Lt. Col. Burnham and are confident in his and leadership to guide the Buffalo District to new heights. We anticipate continued success and innovation under his command, ensuring the enduring legacy of the U.S. Corps of Engineers.”
Burnham assumed command from Lt. Col. Lyle Milliman, a Leon, N.Y., native and veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Milliman had served as the District Commander since April 2024, and as Deputy District Commander for three years prior.
“I’m extremely honored and excited for the opportunity to join a world-class organization like the Buffalo District,” Burnham said. “I look forward to continuing the great work Lt. Col. Milliman and the District provides to our communities and stakeholders. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Burnham took over the leadership role from Milliman during a formal change of command ceremony at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The change of command is a time-honored Army tradition dating back before the Civil War and emphasizes the continuity of command and unit identity despite changes in individual authority from one officer to another.
“I commend the employees of the Buffalo District for their commitment to excellence, innovative engineering solutions, and a steadfast focus on our mission. The impact the Buffalo District has had and will continue to have on the communities it serves will be felt for years to come,” Milliman said. “The District is in good hands with Lt. Col. Burnham and I am confident that under his leadership, the Buffalo District will continue to achieve great success and make significant contributions to our nation’s infrastructure and environmental stewardship.”
Photos from the ceremony are available at https://bit.ly/3y6cq3z.
About Lt. Col. Robert Burnham
— Lt. Col. Burnham previously served as Deputy Commander for the Base Support Group at NATO Allied Land Command in Izmir, Turkey.
— He holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Citadel Military College and a Master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Missouri Science & Technology. He is a certified Project Management Professional.
— Burnham deployed to Afghanistan as a Combat Advisor attached to the 82nd Airborne Division in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2008-2009.
— Burnham has served in roles across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including as a project manager for the USACE Galveston District from 2014-2016 and deputy commander for the USACE Wilmington District from 2020-2023.
— Burnham’s full biography is available at https://bit.ly/3LD5myE.
