UMATILLA -- Lieutenant Colonel Kris Perkins has held nearly a dozen positions during his military career.

He's worked in Texas, Alabama, California, Louisiana and Korea.

Now, he and his wife and three kids are in eastern Oregon.

"We're glad to be here, glad to be part of the community and can't wait to get out and see more of the region" said Perkins.

Perkins was named the new commanding officer of the Umatilla Chemical Depot this morning.

Perkins is replacing Lieutenant Colonel Bob Stein, who says he's leaving the depot in very good hands.

"As we go towards closure, as we go to towards the end of the mustard agent campaign, there's always challenges with personnel, but I don't have any worries that this depot will continue to do what they've been doing for years very safely and very efficient" said Stein.

Perkins is the 35th commander in the depot's 68 year history.

Like Stein, he's scheduled to hold the position for two years.

He'll be responsible for the safe and secure storage of the depot's chemical weapons and for the depot's continued efforts to close.

"Dedicated, committed to doing this safely, successfully and moving forward" said Perkins.

Perkins says he's excited to call the northwest his new home, and he's looking forward to working with new people and meeting new challenges at the depot.

"I'm fortunate to be falling in with a team like this as we get started and move down the road" said Perkins.