A key leadership transition took place this month as
Maj. Cristina Palomino assumed duties as deputy commander of the Latin America & Caribbean District, succeeding Maj. Ricardo Herrero, who will move into a new role within the district’s Programs and Project Management Division.
As Deputy Commander, Maj. Palomino will help lead the Corps’ first district to integrate missions across Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 33 nations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The district manages a multi‑billion‑dollar program spanning more than seven million square miles, delivering civil works, military construction, navigation, regulatory, emergency response, and international support services across the region.
She joins the district following her completion of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, bringing extensive experience in project delivery, emergency response, international support missions, and large‑scale healthcare construction programs. Her background includes service with the Los Angeles District, where she supported a $750 million Department of Veterans Affairs portfolio, led a $443 million healthcare project in Long Beach, and deployed to Israel to provide quality assurance for a $22 million Joint Strike Fighter infrastructure program.
Maj. Palomino has commanded engineer units during hurricane response operations, supported wildfire emergency efforts, and held multiple leadership roles across the 1st Armored Division and XVIII Airborne Corps. Her arrival marks the next chapter in the district’s growth, bringing deep operational experience, technical proficiency, and a strong record of leading complex engineering missions. Her leadership will support ongoing efforts to enhance regional partnerships, deliver critical infrastructure, and advance USACE’s mission across the Latin America and Caribbean area of responsibility.
Maj. Herrero, who has served as deputy commander since the establishment of the Caribbean District as Task Force Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico (VIPR), will transition to the district’s Programs and Project Management Division as the chief of Military and Interagency & International Services (IIS) programs for the Caribbean area of responsibility. This assignment supports his ongoing transition from the active Army to the Army Reserve, expected to be completed in March 2027. Herrero, a San Juan native and West Point graduate, has served in a wide range of operational and leadership roles, including combat deployments, company command, and key positions within USACE’s North Atlantic Division, Jacksonville District, and Antilles Area Office.
Reflecting on his tenure, Maj. Herrero said serving as the deputy commander for the Latin America & Caribbean District has been one of the greatest honors of his career.
“When I first joined the Army, I never envisioned having the privilege to return home and directly serve the communities where I grew up,” he said. “Witnessing firsthand the critical mission USACE accomplishes in this AOR has been incredibly rewarding, and working alongside such passionate, dedicated professionals has been an absolute honor.”
District Commander Lt. Col. Nate Weander expressed his appreciation for Maj. Herrero’s service and welcomed Maj. Palomino to the district’s leadership team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cristina Palomino to the district team. She brings exceptional operational experience, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to service that will strengthen our mission and the 33 nations we support throughout the region. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue delivering critical infrastructure, expanding partnerships, and supporting communities across this vast and diverse area of responsibility,” he said.
“I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Maj. Ricardo Herrero for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication during his tenure as deputy commander. His contributions were vital to standing up the Caribbean District, advancing key initiatives, and supporting our teams through complex missions and transitions,” Weander said. “We are grateful he will continue serving within the district as he moves into his new role, and we look forward to his continued impact on our mission.”