Posted on November 29, 2021
The Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley was welcomed home after returning to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor, Sunday morning, Nov. 21. Their homecoming signifies the end of yet another highly productive dredging season.
The Hurley started this season May 3. And in just over six months’ time, the crew dredged several hundred miles of the Lower Mississippi River.
Hurley Master Adrian Pirani said they dug just under 12 million cubic yards of sediment. Through dredging the lower portion of the Mississippi River every year, the Hurley helps ensure safe navigation for the commercial traffic traveling up and down the river daily.
While this team makes it look easy, this vital task does not come without challenges. As with every season, Pirani said health and safety were a top priority, especially in this ever-evolving coronavirus environment.
Pandemic aside, the Hurley and crew of 40 diligently traveled and dredged an impressive distance, going from Island 10 (mile 901 on the Lower Mississippi River) to Belmont Crossing (mile 150 on the LMR).
Districts served this season included the Memphis District, the Vicksburg District in Mississippi, and the New Orleans District in Louisiana.
The Hurley will remain in Memphis over the winter for maintenance and repairs before beginning another season.
Again, welcome home Dredge Hurley and crew! It takes a tremendous amount of work to manage the responsibilities this team is charged with. We are very grateful for your service to this District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and to this this great Nation!
