Corps’ Engineer Searches for World War II Munitions While on Super Storm Sandy Deployment

Vicksburg, Miss... Corps’ Vicksburg District team member, Derek Kendrick, recently returned from a four-month deployment in support of Super Storm Sandy Beach Re-Nourishment project in Long Branch, New Jersey.

He worked as a quality assurance inspector for the Long Branch Beach project by observing dredge pump-outs onto the Long Branch beach. Due to the dumping of Munitions of Explosive Concern (MEC) into the Atlantic Ocean after World War II, screening baskets were necessary to prevent any MEC from making their way onto the beaches of New Jersey.

While working along with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection personnel, Kendrick entered the site after each pump-out to inspect MEC screening baskets to document if potential MEC were found. If items were deemed non-hazardous, they were placed into a locked safety container until removed from the work zone and disposed of properly. In instances when MEC were found, the local explosive ordinance disposal technician was informed, and if deemed hazardous, an all-stop would be called onsite until the technician could perform a sweep of the beach fill area.

"I missed my family and am happy to be back home, but the experience I received that was related to dredging and fill placement was valuable knowledge that I can bring back to the Vicksburg District," stated Kendrick.

At the Vicksburg District, he currently works as a Civil Engineer in the Investigation and Inspection Section of the Geotechnical Branch, and he previously worked in the Cost Estimating Section of the Technical Services Branch as a cost estimator. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Mississippi and a Certified Cost Engineer.

A native of Booneville, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Science, both from the University of Mississippi.

The Corps supports the U. S. Army by deploying members of its civilian workforce who volunteer to support the Army’s mission worldwide. This civilian workforce provides a unique expertise as the Corps continues to play a key role in defense operations and responds to natural disasters, both at home and abroad.