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RCEC Visits the Mat Sinking Unit

Published Nov. 27, 2017
The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana that holds seven major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline levees. The district is engaged in hundreds of projects and supports disaster response in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana that holds seven major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline levees. The district is engaged in hundreds of projects and supports disaster response in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

VICKSBURG, MISS…A group of tenth grade students from River City Early College High School, part of the Vicksburg Warren School District, had the opportunity to see the Mat Sinking Unit. 

The group of 36 students, described by Principal Tammy Burris as “motivated with a passion to complete their education early”, are currently working towards a dual credit high school diploma and an associate’s degree through Hinds College. 

While students were on the Corps inspection barge, they had the opportunity to view the mat sinking unit from the roof top.  Students also went on a tour of the inspection barge, viewing the engine room, tool room and pilot house.  At the end of the tour, the students thanked the crew members and Corps employees saying “thank you for allowing us to come on this barge and see the Mat Sinking Unit, it has been a great experience.” 

Members of the Hydraulics and Accounting branches of the Vicksburg District were also in attendance to discuss their careers within the Corps.  

The Mat Sinking Unit (MSU) is the only one of its kind in the world and performs one of the most important jobs in the Corps’ river stabilization program.  The MSU consists of the motor vessels BENYAURD, WILLIAM JAMES, and HARRISON, which work together to assist with the distribution of articulated concrete mat squares on the riverbanks.  The MSU employs approximately 60 full time employees and 240 seasonal and temporary employees who reside in several states.  For more information on the Mat Sinking Unit visit http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Operations-Division/River-Operations/Mat-Sinking-unit/ or visit YouTube to view Managing the Mighty Mississippi.


Contact
Catherine Jennison
601-631-5818
catherine.r.jennison@usace.army.mil

Release no. 17-052