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  • June

    Photos of Operation Mississippi Freedom, which consisted of a 28-day joint operation to repair the Ensley Engineer Yard’s partially sunken 161ft by 30ft bridge. The bridge is a vital piece of the Memphis District infrastructure. It is one of only two access points to the fleet of dredges and material barges that transport over 175 million tons of cargo along the Mississippi River. The Memphis District is directly responsible for servicing 355 miles of the Mississippi River watershed, and failure to maintain these operations could cost the nation over a billion dollars in fuel and shipping costs.

    Army Dive Team restores vital district asset

    “The highest risk and resource-intensive Mission Essential Task (MET) we collectively train on is port opening and harbor clearance,” 511th Engineer Dive Detachment Commander Cpt. Olivia Schretzman said. “If we do not provide accurate infrastructure assessments, open ports, repair bridge sections, or clear obstacles in inland waterways, we negatively impact all sustainment and maneuver operations. It is a no-fail mission.” Schretzman commands the 511th Engineer Dive Detachment, a 25-Soldier team that deploys worldwide, performing complex and dangerous engineer tasks at depths of up to 190 feet. Schretzman explained that simulating a damaged bridge is a difficult task, so when the Memphis District reached out for assistance, both parties would benefit from the job. “The Ensley Engineer Yard had a partially sunken bridge that needed repairs, and we needed high-intensity port opening training,” Schretzman said. “This operation became known as Operation Mississippi Freedom.”

  • April

    Congratulations to Andrea Williams on her selection as Operations Division’s (OD) new Chief! Andrea has served in the OD Chief position on temporary assignment since January.

    Memphis District’s new Operations Division Chief Andrea Williams

    Congratulations to Andrea Williams on her selection as the new Operations Division’s (OD) Chief!  Williams has served in the OD Chief position on temporary assignment since January.   

  • November

    IN THE PHOTO, The Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley was welcomed home after returning to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor, Sunday morning, Nov. 21. Their homecoming signifies the end of yet another highly productive dredging season. (Photo courtesy of Dredge Hurley Master Adrian Pirani)

    Dredge Hurley returns after completing impressive season

    The Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley was welcomed home after returning to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor, Sunday morning, Nov. 21. Their homecoming signifies the end of yet another highly productive dredging season. The Hurley started this season May 3. And in just over six months’ time, the crew dredged several hundred miles of the Lower Mississippi River.     

  • April

    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.
  • Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller presents Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Leader Robert Woods (left) with a service award on his 40 year anniversary. Congratulations again to Mr. Robert Woods, and many thanks for your dedicated service to the Memphis District, the Mississippi Valley Division, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    A look back: Woods’ 40 years of service

    "He is very honest, punctual, and works to improve his skills," Supply Technician Matthew Davis said. "He has a real caring spirit. He took me under his wing when I was new, made sure I had lunch, and even drove me home a couple of times when my car had broken down. He is an all-around good guy, and I will miss him if he ever leaves." Davis is talking about Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Leader Robert Woods. Woods is the working leaderman in the Tractor Shop, performing duties as a mechanic and overseeing all other mechanics in the Yards and Docks Unit. He's been doing so for a little more than 40 years now.