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  • April

    Will Shuart, Corps of Engineers’ Engineering Research and Development Center’s Geospatial Research Laboratory geographer, recovers a Sensfly eBee X at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, March 22. Shuart, flew two sorties over more than 250 acres at land adjacent to the Army Program Executive Office-Aviation complex on Redstone March 22.

    Huntsville Center, USACE Aviation supports Army Geospatial Research Laboratory for Redstone Arsenal Unmanned Aircraft Systems flights

    Data collected from the UAS flights is used by Soldiers within the IVAS environment to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of the terrain before executing a mission and without having to physically move into an area.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, photos of the Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley on the Ensley Engineer Yard dry dock, getting repaired after much of the south, including Memphis, Tennessee, was hit hard with frigid temperatures in mid-February this year. From frozen pipes to no electricity, many people and structures were impacted by the icy weather, including the district’s Dredge Hurley. It took approximately one month and multiple Ensley Engineer Yard crews to thaw out and repair the dredge. Now that the Dredge Hurley is thawed and repaired, it’s ready to dredge the Mississippi River, which is scheduled to start within the next two weeks. (USACE photos by Jessica Haas)

    Memphis District Hurley: Thawed out and ready to dredge

    During most off seasons, maintaining the Hurley takes a few months and a couple of crews to get everything done. This off-season was a bit different, as unexpected weather posed more obstacles than usual. Much of the south, including Memphis, Tennessee, was hit hard with frigid temperatures in mid-February this year. The last time Memphians experienced weather like this was in 1994.  From frozen pipes to no electricity, many people and structures were impacted by the icy weather, including the district’s Dredge Hurley.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, photos of three Memphis District Administrative Professionals. From left to right, Operations Division Administrative Assistant Cherrie Smith, Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch Secretary Kai Alimayu, and Executive Office Administrative Assistant Brenda Barber. Thank you to all our Memphis District Administrative Assistants and Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

    Employee Spotlight: Memphis District Administrative Professionals

    They are hard-working, reliable, flexible, exceptional communicators, organized, can multitask, and problem-solving, all while having a smile on their face. Their list of responsibilities is endless and can change from day to day depending on what is needed. Anyone who has an Administrative Professional or other specialist in this role knows how critical this person is. While appreciated daily, today, April 21, is the day these professionals should feel extra special and valued, as today is the National Administrative Professionals Day.
  • Far East District Breaks Ground on new Osan chapel

    Far East District Breaks Ground on new Osan chapel

    Osan Air Base, Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED) participated in a ground-breaking ceremony at Osan Air Base, Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea, Apr. 13.
  • U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory research civil engineer David Nguyen, center, and his team calibrate and tune the motor and rudder sensors on the ERDC’s Research Vessel Martin during its commissioning in the Vicksburg, Mississippi, harbor April 1, 2021. The inland survey vessel is the first full-size, semi-autonomous craft of its kind for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Jared Eastman)

    ERDC researchers commission full-size, semi-autonomous research vessel

    Making its way through the murky waters and swift current of the Mississippi River at the Vicksburg riverfront, the Research Vessel Martin looks like any other U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) survey boat. However, there is one major difference. The inland survey vessel has been converted into a semi-autonomous craft, making it the first of its kind for the organization.
  • Ross Alter, a research meteorologist at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, spoke virtually at an event April 8, 2021, in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Alter’s paternal grandfather, pictured in the PowerPoint image, was liberated at the age of 17 from Auschwitz- Birkenau, the largest concentration and extermination camp, where more than 1.1 million men, women and children were killed during the Holocaust. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Mary Margaret Edney)

    ERDC honors Holocaust Remembrance Day with virtual event

    An employee with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the grandson of a Holocaust survivor spoke at a virtual event April 8 to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. Ross Alter, a research meteorologist in the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, spoke to more than 100 ERDC employees who signed on for his online talk, “The Holocaust: What was it, why did it happen, and… why should I care?”
  • U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center leaders and special guests participate in a dirt turn at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new annex building at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina, April 6, 2021. The $4.3-million annex will consist of laboratory and research administrative spaces to support the organization’s expanded military research mission. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Sheree Perry, Norfolk District)

    ERDC’s Field Research Facility holds groundbreaking ceremony for new annex

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new annex building at its Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina, April 6, 2021. ​The $4.3-million annex will consist of laboratory and research administrative spaces to support the organization’s expanded military research mission. In collaboration with the Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence, the Field Research Facility develops methods to protect forces, conduct forcible and early entry and transition rapidly to offensive operations.
  • IN THE PHOTO, a map showing the Obion Levee System protected area once all projects are executed.

    Final levee system project on horizon as MVM completes preliminary projects

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District, in partnership with the Fulton County Board of Levee Commissioners (FCBLC), is nearing completion of two maintenance projects, the Island 8 Parcel 1 Relief Well Ditch Restoration Project and the Lake No. 9 Collector Ditch Erosion Repair Project, both located along the Mississippi River Mainline Levee south of Hickman, Kentucky. Completing these projects is essential, but what's even more important is what comes after. Once finished, the district will be that much closer to executing the last and final project needed to complete the entire levee system.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center's Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory uses a Heavy Vehicle-load Simulator-Aircraft system to test AM2 matting for the U.S. Navy's P-8 Poseidon aircraft in March 2021 at the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

    ERDC team uses unique tool in Navy aircraft runway testing

    Since aircraft have been used as wartime weapons, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has led the charge of creating tools that allow those planes to land anywhere in the world. Today, that mission has not changed, and the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) is using a unique machine to better understand the Navy’s P-8 Poseidon and how it distresses temporary, rapidly constructed runways.  
  • Captured is the new Army storage warehouse staging and loading docks, which was turned over to Col. Garrett Cottrell, Deputy Commanding Officer - Transformation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District, on behalf of the U.S. government by Col. Pyo In Tae, ROK Design and Construction Agent, on behalf of the ROK government during the Acceptance Release Letter signing at USAG Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Apr. 2, 2021.

    Another project under the belt for the Far East District

    USAG HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED) completed its latest project, SPT060 Site 2 Building E, a support building, with an Acceptance Release Letter (ARL) ceremony at USAG Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea, Apr. 2.

  • March

    In the photo to the left, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller signs the first SPOT Report using the new Smart Project Updates Dashboard. To the right are screenshots of the Smart Project Updates Dashboard, also known as SPUD.

    Revolutionizing project management

    Memphis District employees pride themselves on finding ways to revolutionize how they work. One of the more recent ways they've modernized processes comes in the form of the new Smart Project Updates Dashboard, also affectionately known as SPUD.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Division Deputies were recently in Memphis, Tennessee, for a Deputies Summit and tour of the area. As part of their tour, the group traveled to the Memphis District’s Ensley Engineer Yard to learn about the Mississippi River and Tributaries Regional Channel Improvement Program. Following their briefing, the deputies toured the Motor Vessel Mississippi, spoke with Dredge Hurley Master Adrian Pirani about the previous dredging season, visited with emergency operations staff, and then ended the tour by observing day-to-day operations at the Metals Shop, which is where much of the maintenance and repairing of our Revetment fleet and machinery take place. (USACE photos by Jessica Haas)

    USACE Division Deputies visit Memphis for Summit, Engineer Yard tour

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Division Deputies recently met in Memphis, Tennessee, for a Deputies Summit and tour of the Memphis District area. "The USACE HQ Deputy Summit enables the MSC/Centers/Labs and 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) Deputies to share lessons learned, best practices and engage key HQs staff on Enterprise challenges, policies, and processes in order to Take Care of our People, Support National Readiness, Modernize, Strengthen Partnerships, and Revolutionize Delivery," Mississippi Valley Division Deputy Division Engineer Col. Jeremy Chapman said.
  • Alan Katzenmeyer, left, and Anna Miller Jordan, right, both got their start at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) participating in an ERDC-sponsored robotics team while students at Warren Central High School in 2004. Sixteen years later, the two hold supervisory branch chief positions in their respective laboratories, and they credit their successful careers to a solid foundation with the robotics program.

    Starting with STEM: ERDC researchers climb from after-school robotics to branch chief

    At Anna Miller Jordan’s very first robotics team practice as a high-school senior in 2005, she was deemed responsible for piloting a robot to shoot balls into a net, once her classmate Alan Katzenmeyer steered the bot down the court toward the goal. Now, 15 years later, Jordan and Katzenmeyer are both still leading teams at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). But today, instead of high-school peers, those teams are made up of scientists, engineers and researchers working to solve some of the nation’s toughest challenges.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District, Emergency Essential Civilian (EEC) personnel and Mission Essential Civilian (MEC) personnel, practice first-aid techniques during the district's EEC training held at the Vehicle Maintenance Facility Mar 9.

    Far East District personnel learn basic life-saving skills

    CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED) personnel participated in life-saving skills and First-Aid instruction at the FED motor pool in Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea, Mar. 11.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, this month, we are highlighting Carla Wells. She is a government purchase card business manager for the Contracting/Oversight Branch. Here are a few photos of her during her time as a government purchase card business manager.

    Employee Spotlight: Carla Wells

    In any business, it’s the people that make it work. Without them, organizations ultimately fail. That’s why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District values each and every one of its employees so much. To show how much we do, we highlight one employee every month by asking a few questions about the position they’re in and how they got to where they are today. This month, we are highlighting Carla Wells. She is a government purchase card business manager for the Contracting/Oversight Branch.
  • A U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) prototype site characterization vehicle demonstrates its amphibious capabilities during testing at the ERDC Levee Breach Model in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Oct. 7, 2020. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

    ERDC researchers combine robotics, imagery technology to solve problems

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory’s Robotics for Engineer Operations (REO) team is combining efforts with the Information Technology Laboratory’s Robotic Assessment of Dams (DamBot) team to tackle challenges posed by both combat engineer operations abroad and infrastructure at home.
  • Far East District headquarters.

    Far East District efforts toward development for Korean National financial professionals pays off

    CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – The Programs and Project Management Division (PPMD) for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED), took major steps in developing Community of Practice (CoP) financial professionals by enabling Korean Nationals to partake in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Financial Management (FM) certifications.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, St. Francis Levee District Partner Rob Rash, Project Manager Jason Dickard, and Geotechnical Branch Chief Cory Williams brief USACE’s Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Maj. Gen. William (Butch) H. Graham and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works), Mr. Vance Stewart on the importance of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project, as well as the role the St. Francis Levee District plays in that project and keeping America safe from flood events. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    St. Francis Levee District awarded Outstanding Maintenance Award

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Maj. Gen. William (Butch) Graham and the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works), Vance Stewart, stopped in West Memphis, Arkansas, where they were briefed by our St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas Partner Rob Rash, Memphis District Project Manager Jason Dickard, and Geotechnical Branch Chief Cory Williams on the Mississippi River Levee system.
  • IN THE PHOTO, as discussed by the Channel Improvement Team, this graphic demonstrates the future of Memphis District bank grading. The goal is to have this new dragline machine in service in fiscal year 2022. Modernization of the Bank Grading Unit and “Armor One,” a new Mat Sinking Unit (MSU), now under development by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will help recapitalize the river revetment program. Among its many assets, the new MSU promises be more efficient and cost effective, and provide a safer working environment for its crew.

    2021 Channel Improvement Team Meeting a success

    In a virtual get-together held mid-February, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering and Construction Department, operations leaders from the Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans Districts, project managers, regional team members, environmental partners, and other representatives from the St. Louis District, all came together for their annual Mississippi River Channel Improvement meeting to discuss environmental projects and other current channel improvement issues.
  • A section of the 1:2 scale model of one of Florida’s coastal mangrove forest built by researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) shows the intricacy of the mangrove roots. The ERDC team partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District and the U.S. Naval Academy to explore the engineering value of the forest in reducing flood and storm risk. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

    Evaluating the engineering benefits of Florida’s mangrove forests

    Along the Florida coastline, forests of trees with a dense tangle of prop roots appear to be standing on stilts above the water. These trees, or mangroves, are not only magnificent to see, but are a key element in protecting coastlines and communities during coastal storms. Researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) have partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District and the U.S. Naval Academy to explore the engineering value of Florida’s mangrove forests.
  • Rendering produced by RHI, 2020. Future view from within the columbaria courts looking east at the existing Air Force Memorial.

    USACE to host Arlington National Cemetery project Industry Day for contractors

    NORFOLK, Virginia - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District is scheduled to host a virtual “Industry Day” event on April 13 from 12:00-3:30 p.m. for construction contractors interested in the Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion (ANCSE) project and Defense Access Roads (DAR) project.
  • Rendering produced by RHI, 2020. Future view from within the columbaria courts looking east at the existing Air Force Memorial.

    USACE to host Arlington National Cemetery project Industry Day for contractors

    NORFOLK, Virginia - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District is scheduled to host a virtual “Industry Day” event on April 13 from 12:00-3:30 p.m. for construction contractors interested in the Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion (ANCSE) project and Defense Access Roads (DAR) project.
  • Dr. Edmond Russo, director of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory (EL), takes the oath as he is inducted into the Senior Executive Service (SES) during a hybrid virtual and in-person SES induction ceremony held at the ERDC-EL building in Vicksburg, Miss., March 11, 2021.

    ERDC Environmental Laboratory director inducted into the Senior Executive Service

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) inducted Environmental Laboratory (EL) Director Dr. Edmond Russo into the Senior Executive Service (SES) during a hybrid virtual and in-person ceremony held March 11 at the ERDC-EL building.
  • Norfolk District “Careers Virtual Open House” graphic created by Sheree Perry, Norfolk District visual information specialist.

    Army Corps of Engineers to host virtual careers open house

    NORFOLK, Virginia - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District is scheduled to host a “Careers Virtual Open House” event March 17 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to fill multiple vacancies within the organization.
  • Norfolk District “Careers Virtual Open House” graphic created by Sheree Perry, Norfolk District visual information specialist.

    Army Corps of Engineers to host virtual careers open house

    NORFOLK, Virginia - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District is scheduled to host a “Careers Virtual Open House” event March 17 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to fill multiple vacancies within the organization.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED) held its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council on its Pyeongtaek compound on Feb. 26.

    Far East District Activates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Far East District (FED) held its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council on its Pyeongtaek compound on Feb. 26.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, the Mississippi Valley, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Mississippi Valley Division, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) all met for an event known as the Mississippi Valley Construction Roundtable, which was held in downtown Memphis, Tennessee this year on Feb. 18 and 19. This annual meeting afforded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Associated General Contractors of America an opportunity to recognize contractors and engineering staff that have exhibited outstanding safety practices in delivering USACE projects. One of these awards are pictured above. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    Associated General Contractors of America Event a success

    The Mississippi Valley Associated General Contractors of America (MVAGC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) met for an event known as the Mississippi Valley Construction Roundtable, which was held in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, this year on Feb. 18 and 19. “The meeting between the Mississippi Valley Branch of the AGC and Mississippi Valley Division of the Corps of Engineers offers an opportunity for staff from the division headquarters and six districts to interact with our contracting partners who help us deliver our program,” Construction Branch Chief Jim Wolff said. “Through two key meetings (the Dredging Issues Roundtable and the Construction Specifications Session Roundtable), open communication, and frank discussion, we identify issues or problems related to dredging, construction, and contracting. These meetings offer member contractors an open forum to develop potential solutions to solve issues or problems.”
  • Members of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Emerging Leaders Group meet virtually with Dr. David Pittman, ERDC director, Jan. 27, 2021. The competitive program is aimed at identifying and fostering new leaders within ERDC. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

    ERDC invests in future leaders with Emerging Leaders Group

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is home to more than 2,000 professionals across dozens of disciplines and backgrounds, and in order for the organization to be successful, its workforce needs strong leadership. Since 1999, the ERDC has sought to identify and train new leaders through its Emerging Leaders Group (ELG), a three-year program focusing on how to lead people and programs. In 2015, the ERDC Directorate of Human Capital took oversight of the program, which then grew significantly from eight to 25 members each year.
  • IN THE PHOTO, the location where the St. Francis Floodway Blockage Project will take place. Due to the remote location, personnel will have to boat in and out each day. The material will have to be floated out and excavated to a designated area nearby.

    Ready to Advertise St. Francis Floodway Project

    In partnership with the Dunklin County Levee District Number 4, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently met a tasker “ready to advertise” milestone, ahead of schedule, for the St. Francis Floodway Blockage Project in Cardwell, Missouri, Feb. 17, 2021. As a result of the storms and resulting flood impact in this region, sedimentation and debris built up in drainage channels reduce the capacity to drain stormwater runoff adequately. The work associated with this project will increase the channel's capacity and reduce the chances of localized flooding, threatening property damage, and life safety.

  • February

    IN THE PHOTOS, before and after photos of the West Basin Scour Repairs Phase 3 Construction Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District successfully completed a construction project in partnership with the Little River Drainage District in Bollinger County, Missouri. Construction started on July 15, 2020, and was completed six months ahead of schedule on Jan. 7, 2021.

    West Basin Scour Repairs Phase 3 Construction Project complete

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District successfully completed a construction project in partnership with the Little River Drainage District in Bollinger County, Missouri. The West Basin Scour Repairs Phase 3 Construction contract was awarded to SYTE Corporation for $4,613,864 to repair multiple bank scours along four miles of the Castor River Diversion Channel.