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  • April

    CRREL team members along with OUSD and Milrem Robotics staff with the company’s THeMIS UGV. According to Milrem Robotics, the THeMIS is a modular, unmanned platform designed for various applications, including logistics, reconnaissance, medical evacuations and operational support. Photo by Mike Parker, CRREL.

    CRREL teams up with special forces to test autonomous technology in Norway

    The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Norwegian Special Operations Command hosted a joint Technical Experimentation (TE) this past winter at Camp Rødsmoen in Rena, Norway, giving technology developers the opportunity to interact with special operations forces and evaluate in the field how their products potentially meet their needs.
  • Summer Nash (left) and her mentor, Misty McDermit-Taylor, (right) talk about their roles at ERDC and how their participation in the Mentorship Program benefits them.

    ERDC Mentoring Program enhances bonds and knowledge among employees

    Embracing each other’s desire to be better is one superpower of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC). Through the ERDC Mentoring Program, the agency upholds its slogan of "One ERDC, One Team." The Mentoring Program enhances the careers, retention and engagement of ERDC employees through formal mentoring relationships.
  • As U.S. forces begin a simulated mission, ERDC's Robotics for Engineer Operations (REO) unmanned bulldozer, designed by research engineers from ERDC’s CERL, GSL, GRL and ITL, lines up with the breach lane to support maneuver operations.

    ERDC robotics team advances future of combat engineering at PC-C5

    A team from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently played a key role in a major Army exercise called Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PC-C5). During this event, ERDC’s Robotics for Engineer Operations (REO) put their robotic technologies to the test in realistic, hands-on scenarios that simulate combat situations, showing how systems perform and hold up under pressure, making an important contribution to Army readiness.
  • The team at the Zambia Army School of Military Engineering in front of the completed Solar Tracker during the Operational Energy training.

    ERDC leads Operational Energy training for the Zambia Defense Force

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently led an Operational Energy (OE) training course for the Zambia Defense Force (ZDF), reinforcing military partnerships between the U.S. and Africa while advancing energy resilience and sustainability on the continent.
  • Professional portrait of Dr. Beth Fleming, ERDC Director

    Dr. Beth Fleming named fourth ERDC director

    Dr. Beth Fleming has been named director of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), assuming the position in March. As director, she leads one of the most diverse research organizations in the world, comprising seven laboratories located across four states, with more than 2,600 employees, $1 billion in facilities and an annual program valued at $2.2 billion.

  • March

    Hydrogen-powered fuel cell forklift at North Riverside Illinois Army National Guard

    ERDC leads demonstration of hydrogen fueled equipment at National Guard site in Illinois

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) is advancing energy resiliency and reliability by using hydrogen as a sustainable, renewable energy source. ERDC-CERL is spearheading research and development efforts to integrate hydrogen energy solutions into military operations, aiming to provide clean backup energy systems that enhance the energy independence of Department of Defense (DoD) installations.
  • Participants shovel dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Watercraft and Ship Simulation Facility located at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory in Vicksburg, Miss., March 27, 2025.

    ERDC breaks ground on new Watercraft and Ship Simulation Facility

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Watercraft and Ship Simulation Facility located next to its Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
  • FRC team members work on robot for competition.

    FIRST: A proven pipeline for future ERDC development

    More than two decades ago, a robotics team was founded for the students at Warren Central High School. ERDC has been involved since the year 2000 by hosting the team and promoting hands-on learning for local students. Today, with a mission to provide educational experiences for more young people, Team 456 Siege Robotics is a community FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team that is made up of 20 students from across central Mississippi.
  • Members of CRREL’s mobility team and executive leadership spent the day on Mount Washington exploring opportunities for collaboration with the Mount Washington Observatory and using the 4,618-foot climb in alpine elevation to test multiple vehicles in preparation for an upcoming technology testing exercise in the Arctic Circle.

    CRREL researchers test equipment at home of “World’s Worst Weather”

    Members of CRREL’s mobility team and executive leadership recently spent the day at the Mount Washington Observatory on the mountain’s summit. While there, they learned about the observatory’s facilities and capabilities and explored opportunities for collaboration between their meteorological and operational staff and CRREL’s researchers and engineers.
  • Army Specialist Dayanna Guapisaca navigates a virtual bridge erector boat through a simulation.

    With enhanced software, ERDC helps Army boat pilots train for the real thing

    Recently, Soldiers with the 74th Multi-Role Bridging Company at Fort Cavazos, Texas, spent three days working with the team at the U.S. Army Watercraft and Ship Simulator, part of ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, to put upgraded simulation software through its paces.
  • Members of the National Technical Committee for the Ordinary High Water Mark pose in New Orleans. Pictured are Steven Kichefski (USACE Wilmington District), Ken Fritz (EPA), Ellen Wohl (CSU Professor), Brian Topping (EPA), Gabrielle David, and Aaron Allen (USACE Los Angeles District).

    ERDC’s Environmental Lab publishes first-of-its-kind National Ordinary High Water Mark manual

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory (EL) recently published a groundbreaking technical guide geared toward identifying Ordinary High Water Marks (OHWM) across the nation.
  • After more than 50 years of government service, Ernest 'Butch' Lutz retired from ERDC in February 2025 after serving as ERDC’s chief of internal review since 2012. He is pictured here with some of his many accolades—including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and the Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

    Lutz retires from ERDC after decades of service to the Nation

    After a career spanning more than 50 years in government service, Ernest “Butch” Lutz has retired from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Lutz, who had served as ERDC’s chief of internal review since 2012, officially completed 30 years of civilian service in December 2024.

  • February

    Someone holding phone

    ITL streamlines data collection process

    Team members from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) have developed an app that streamlines the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (MVK) maintenance data collection process. The app provides an efficient way to submit daily reports to a repository, helping to track vital financial data.
  • In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Football League (NFL), and local, state and federal law enforcement, ERDC deployed two patented technologies at Super Bowl LIX designed to safeguard against potential vehicular and explosive attacks.

    Playing defense: ERDC innovations safeguard Super Bowl LIX

    In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Football League (NFL), and local, state and federal law enforcement, ERDC deployed two patented technologies at Super Bowl LIX designed to safeguard against potential vehicular and explosive attacks.
  • 1AD Commanding General Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor ; Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and Fort Bliss Garrison Commander Col. Brenden Gallagher cut the ribbon for the largest 3D-printed barracks in the DoD.

    ERDC plays critical role in review of first 3D printed Army barracks

    The U.S. Army is taking a giant leap into the future of military construction with the debut of its first-ever additively constructed (3D-printed) Army barracks in Fort Bliss, Texas, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) played an important role in making the demonstration successful.
  • Dr. David W. Pittman, Senior Executive Service (SES), reflects on his 38-year career during his retirement ceremony at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

    ERDC Director Dr. David W. Pittman retires after almost 40 years of service

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently honored Dr. David W. Pittman, Senior Executive Service (SES), in a retirement ceremony to recognize his 38 years of federal service. Hosted by Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the ceremony paid tribute to Pittman’s leadership, vision and commitment to advancing engineering and research excellence for the Army and the nation.
  • ERDC-CRREL research physicist Dr. Anthony Fragoso demonstrates CRREL mobility laboratory vehicles to snow sciences workshop attendees.

    CRREL workshop advances Army’s snow science research

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) hosted a snow sciences workshop to advance the understanding of the topics, unique aspects, and elements in common among Army-funded snow research contracts. Special emphasis was placed on why the Army cares about snow, what impacts it has on Warfighter functions and operational planning, and how the Army may operate in the future.
  • Men in the United States Air Force stand on the wings of a B-52 aircraft

    ERDC helps breathe new life into Boeing B-52 aircraft

    VICKSBURG, Miss. – In an effort to enhance acquisition programs for all branches of the U.S. military, a team of engineers and technical experts from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) have developed a cloud-based digital engineering environment that includes specific hardware, a variety of design tools and access to high-performance computing. This technology was put to use when the ERDC’s Information Technology Lab (ITL) was asked to help the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) accomplish their tasks for the B-52H Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) – a modernizing effort to install new Rolls Royce F130 engines onto the 70-year-old B-52 bomber fleet. This update is projected to increase system reliability and significantly reduce current maintenance costs.
  • ERDC's advancements in tribological testing enable real-time observation of material interactions at the interface during friction and wear testing, an especially important capability for materials that are required to hold up to the extreme cold and icy conditions such as the sleds used to deliver fuel bladders to Antarctica’s South Pole Station.

    Revolutionizing Tribology: Real-Time Observation of Material Interactions with the Advanced Tribometer

    The invention titled “Tribometer with Real-Time Observation of Interface Processes,” patented under number 11835444, is a significant advancement in tribological testing. The inventors have developed a tribometer that integrates advanced imaging technologies to enable real-time observation of material interactions at the interface during friction and wear testing, providing critical insights into the performance and behavior of materials under various conditions.
  • The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently inducted Patricia Sullivan, Nick Boone and Dr. Robert Moser into the Senior Executive Service (SES) during a ceremony at ERDC Headquarters in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Maj. Gen. Kimberly Peeples led the induction, with Dr. Pittman highlighting the SES's significance and the leaders' roles in shaping ERDC’s future. Pictured from lt. to rt: Peeples, Moser, Boone, Sullivan and Pittman

    ERDC inducts three leaders into Senior Executive Service

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently inducted Patricia Sullivan, Nick Boone and Dr. Robert Moser into the Senior Executive Service (SES) during a ceremony at ERDC Headquarters in Vicksburg, Mississippi.