VICKSBURG, Miss.— With the Mississippi River as its backdrop and a rich engineering legacy at its core, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) employees joined community leaders, stakeholders, and local, state and federal partners in downtown Vicksburg to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Corps on June 18.
Hosted collaboratively by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, the USACE Mississippi Valley Division and the USACE Vicksburg District, the event marked a major milestone in the organization’s history — but more specifically in Vicksburg, home to these three USACE institutions and known locally as “Engineer City.”
“This year, we have been celebrating all of Vicksburg’s accomplishments over the last 200 years – none of which would have been possible without the work and dedication of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said Vicksburg Alderman TJ Mayfield. “Today we are celebrating 250 years of service and dedication not just to Vicksburg but to the state of Mississippi and this great country.”
Employing more than 2,450 people locally, all three components are instrumental in supporting USACE civil and military operations worldwide.
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center is the Corps’ premier research and development center, which is made up of seven laboratories across the country and headquartered in Vicksburg.
The Mississippi Valley Division oversees six USACE districts along the Mississippi River, leading flood control, navigation and ecosystem restoration efforts from Canada to the Gulf of America.
A part of the division, the Vicksburg District manages civil works and regulatory programs across Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas with missions spanning levee safety, waterway navigation, and emergency response.
The celebratory event featured speakers from USACE leadership across all three Vicksburg sites who reflected on the organization’s past, present and future.
The U.S. Army Reserve's 412th Theatre Engineer Command presented the color guard and posted the colors. Brig. Gen. Chris Thomas of the Mississippi National Guard delivered remarks, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and service, and patriotic music was performed by the 41st Army Band of the Mississippi Army National Guard.
Pat Hemphill, deputy district engineer for Programs and Project Management for the Vicksburg District, spoke about the organization’s legacy and how USACE has made a difference since the founding of America.
“The USACE is here to help you, to work together to find solutions, to make it easier and to make it better and when we take our oath as civilians, we say we are here with you and we understand,” Hemphill said. “At the end of the day, we work for you, and we will continue to serve you for another 250 years.”
Next, Maj. Gen. Kimberly Peeples, Commanding General of the Mississippi Valley Division, spoke about transformations over the years.
“For the past 250 years, the Corps of Engineers has been at the forefront of solving the Nation’s toughest engineering challenges.” Peeples said. “Through the many mission changes and continuous transformation what has remained is a dedicated team of experts, and steadfast relationships with our partners and stakeholders.”
Dr. Beth Fleming, director of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and chief scientist and director of research and development for USACE, offered remarks about a vision for the future.
“Being on the cutting edge of R&D not only means finding innovative ways to solve today’s toughest challenges,” Fleming said. “It also means advancing our basic knowledge and understanding the problems we are likely to face in the future, so we can solve them before they become mission critical.”
Concluding the ceremony, Sam Andrews, senior advisor in the office of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, presented a proclamation on behalf of the state.
“For 250 years, the Corps has built, protected and advanced this nation — with Mississippi playing a key role in that legacy,” Andrews said. “With three major USACE organizations headquartered here in Vicksburg, their work strengthens not only our state, but the entire nation. We’re proud to call Mississippi a home for innovation, engineering excellence and public service.”