Maj. Patrick “Pat” Ripton became the Memphis District deputy commander in September of 2025. As deputy commander, he is second in command of the Memphis District. The Memphis District supports flood damage reduction, navigation, environmental stewardship, emergency operations, other authorized civil works and work for others along 610 miles of the Mississippi and White Rivers, encompassing a 25,000 square mile area in six states: Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
As deputy commander, Maj. Ripton manages and supervises the general and administrative staff in support of all district operations. He plays a critical role in the supervision of the district’s Emergency Management Operations in support of federal, state, and local authorities during federally declared emergencies and other critical times as required.
Maj. Ripton, a Rochester, New York native, was commissioned in 2009 from Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia. His civilian education includes a bachelor’s degree from the Missouri University of Science & Technology. His military education includes a Masters of Operational Studies from the Army Command and General Staff Officer Course. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Maj. Ripton’s previous leadership positions include executive officer for the 1-409th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 4th Cavalry Brigade, First Army Division East in Fort Knox, Kentucky, with his most recent assignment including his service as the deputy commander and also later as the district commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District.
Finally, Maj. Ripton spent five years in Okinawa, Japan, as a member of the Japan Exchange Teaching Program. He also followed as a researcher for the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco, California, from 2007 to 2008, where he focused on both military and agriculture-related matters, as well as any issues concerning international infrastructure. Then, from 2013 to 2014, Maj. Ripton worked on developing engineering and civil works projects in support of multiple joint military operations as a member of U.S. Army Pacific Command.
Maj. Ripton’s military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon, National Service Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Basic Instructor Badge.