The MSU has placed hundreds of thousands of articulated concrete mats, also known as revetment, along the Mississippi River to protect levees and other flood control works, prevent riverbank erosion, and provide navigable waterways for commercial transportation. The unit’s work spans the jurisdictions of the Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans districts.
This revetment work is a key part of the larger Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) project, a massive flood control and navigation system. Since the MR&T’s inception in 1928, the integrated flood control network has prevented $2.7 trillion in cumulative flood damage, equating to an estimated return of over $124 for every federal dollar invested.
"Kicking off the 80th annual revetment season is a powerful testament to the importance of this mission and the unmatched dedication of our crew,” Vicksburg District Commander Col. Jeremiah Gipson said.
“For eight decades, the MSU has stood as a critical line of defense along 950 miles of the Mississippi River. By securing these banks, our skilled workforce does more than prevent erosion; they actively safeguard regional communities from flood risks and ensure the economic engine of commercial navigation keeps moving forward safely and reliably.”
Before embarking on the mission, the crew paused active preparations for a time-honored tradition: the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. The gathering recognized the dedication, teamwork, and sacrifices of the personnel who drive this critical mission. USACE leaders offered words of support and encouragement to ensure the crew is unified and mission-ready as they get underway for another challenging season.
The mat sinking crew includes a diverse range of seasonal professions, such as clerks, deck hands, drag line operators, electricians, gantry crane operators, mechanics, quarter boat utility operators, stewards, surveyors, tying tool operators and repairers, tractor drivers, truck drivers, and winchmen. These roles are integral to the success of the operation and the stability of the Mississippi River.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation's toughest challenges while advancing its commitment to building infrastructure, not paperwork. The district delivers vital missions across a 68,000-square-mile area spanning portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Its area of responsibility includes nine major river basins and approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees, supporting flood risk reduction, navigation, environmental stewardship, and resilient infrastructure for the region.