Posted on August 28, 2024
The Albany Field Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New York District ─ located in Troy, New York, on the Hudson River 150 miles north of New York City ─ recently took delivery of a new 45’ x 15’ tow boat that will significantly improve operations and maintenance activities and remove hazards to navigation on the Hudson River and adjacent upstate New York waterways.
At a formal dedication ceremony, Albany Field Office employees gathered with District Leaders, local elected officials and invited guests to recognize the important addition to the facility. Remarks were given by New York District Commander Col. Alexander Young, Albany Field Office Chief Michael Wright, and local elected officials including Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), New York State Senator Jacob Ashby (District 43), Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin, Rensselaer County Legislator Dan Casale, and Mayor of Troy, New York, Carmella Mantello.
Crew & Operators Recognized
The new vessel is more than an equipment upgrade: it also ensures the safety and efficiency of ongoing operations, adhering to regulations and prioritizing the well-being of Army Corps personnel. During the ceremony, Albany Field Office Chief Michael Wright publicly recognized the nine Army Corps employees assigned to the new vessel to a round of applause from the audience. They also received a Certificate of Recognition from New York State Senator Jacob Ashby (District 43).
These experienced personnel include:
● Daniel Garvansites, Chief, Operations & Maintenance
● Mackenzie Lambert, Supervisor, Operations & Maintenance
● Eric Gundersen, Master Towboat Operator
● Michael Condon, Operations & Maintenance Work leader
● Kevin Bleau, Crane Operator
● Nicholas Zalucki, Maintenance Mechanic
● Justin Lee, Maintenance Mechanic
● Stephen Junkins, Maintenance Mechanic
● Joseph Boyle, Vessel Mechanic
Dedication of DCV FREDERICK SKENE
Then it was down to the dock for the maritime tradition of dedicating the new vessel. New York District Chief of the Operations, Readiness and Regulatory Division Randall G. Hintz joined District Leaders and employees for a photo in front of DCV FREDERICK SKENE, followed by a ribbon-cutting and reception for guests. In addition, Rensselaer County Legislator Dan Casale presented Albany Field Office Chief Michael Wright with a certificate of commendation from the Rensselaer County Legislature.
New York District Commander Col. Alexander Young said: “This new vessel will help make the operations and maintenance mission more efficient and increase safety for personnel operating it. Our dedicated staff here [Albany Field Office] deserve modern equipment to fulfill the important work they carry out each day ─ work that directly benefits both commercial and recreational craft on the waterways.”
New York District’s Chief of the Operations, Readiness, and Regulatory Functions Division Randall G. Hintz commented: “This [new vessel] is a great addition to the Army Corps Operations Division here at the Albany Field Office. The team here at Albany Field Office worked hands on with the manufacturer of the vessel in Louisiana to optimize the features of this vessel and enhance its service to the mission of the New York District. I’m proud of what this team has accomplished and I’m proud to welcome this new asset to the New York District fleet.”
Albany Field Office Branch Chief Michael Wright noted: “Today is an important milestone for the Albany Field Office and staff. The individuals that operate and maintain vessels have worked diligently with the builder and the Army Corps Marine Design Center from the Philadelphia District to bring this project to fruition. In fact, several employees traveled to Louisiana to inspect the vessel during construction and to perform necessary sea trials prior to delivery. Much goes into the design, construction and testing of new vessels like the DCV FREDERICK SKENE.”
DCV FREDERICK SKENE is a 45’ x 15’ U.S. Coast Guard-compliant tow boat. Its primary function will be pushing barges and removing navigational hazards along upstate New York waterways. It will also enhance operations at Troy Lock & Dam ─ a 109-year-old structure at the Albany Field Office that was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1915.
Frederick Skene by the Numbers
▶ 6 Maximum Personnel
▶ 12 Knots Maximum Speed
▶ 15 Feet Wide
▶ 27 Gross Tonnage
▶ 45 Feet Long
▶ 820 Horsepower
Built in Louisiana, earlier this summer the vessel sailed up the east coast of the U.S. and was inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard at New York’s Caven Point Marine Terminal in New Jersey. Traveling north on the Hudson River, it continued on to the Albany Field Office in Troy, New York, where Albany Field Office crew and maintenance personnel trained on the new vessel with the craft’s builder, Aluma Marine.
The main function of a tow boat is pushing barges ─ a highly-maneuverable shallow-draft vessel with a square bow provides the ability to push. It’s more efficient to push – not pull – barges, saving time and energy. Barges are used primarily to transport bulky or heavy items that would be difficult to move otherwise, such as coal, chemicals, sand, gravel and building materials. The relatively calm inland waterways of upstate New York are well suited for barge traffic.
Previous Vessel Retired
The need for a new vessel became apparent when the Marine Design Center ─ located at the Army Corps’ Philadelphia District and managing the design and construction of new Army Corps’ vessels ─ indicated the hull of the previous vessel, Sentinel II, had significantly deteriorated, rendering it unsafe for use. Since it was more expensive to repair than purchase a new one, it was decommissioned after 57 years of service.
Albany Field Office employees, in collaboration with staff at New York’s Caven Point Marine Terminal in New Jersey, worked with the Design Center from the project’s inception. The Center contributed to specification development, contract oversight and assisted with sea trials and acceptance.
Legacy of Frederick Skene
The vessel was named for Frederick Skene (1874-1943) a civil engineer, dean of the School of Technology at the City College of New York and also served as New York State Engineer and Surveyor from 1907-08. Skene was a strong proponent of the federal government constructing Troy Lock & Dam to connect with the then-emerging New York State Barge Canal System in the early 20th century.
Troy Lock & Dam
Troy Lock & Dam is part of New York’s Albany Field Office in Troy, New York. The Army Corps constructed the facility that opened to marine traffic in 1915. For the past 100+ years it has been providing significant economic and recreational support to the region and serves as a gateway to the New York State Canal System. The New York District has operated the lock and dam since its inception ⎼ repairing structures, maintaining mechanical and hydraulic systems and managing buildings and grounds.
Operating from May 1 – Nov. 30, Troy Lock & Dam serves as the eastern gateway to New York State’s extensive canal system (524 miles of waterways and 56 locks) ensuring safe navigation of billions in commerce annually. It greatly facilitates the transport of construction equipment, bulk commodities and oversized loads such as large turbines, generators and steel that’s not easily transported by highway. It also supports tour boats and recreational craft. In addition, the New York State Canal Corporation indicates that it’s considerably less-expensive to transport goods by barge than highway or rail.
New York District Commander Col. Alexander Young reacts after the ribbon-cutting for the new vessel, DCV FREDERICK SKENE. Left to right: Chief of the New York District’s Operations, Readiness, and Regulatory Functions Division Randall G. Hintz; U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20); District Commander Col. Alexander Young; and Albany Field Office Chief Michael Wright.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Albany Field Office Chief Michael Wright (right) with Rensselaer County Legislator Dan Casale who presented a Certificate of Commendation to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Albany Field Office upon the dedication and acceptance of the new vessel, DCV FREDERICK SKENE.
The new DCV FREDERICK SKENE decorated for the dedication ceremony. The 45’ x 15’ tow boat will greatly enhance operations and maintenance work on upstate New York waterways.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Albany Field Office Chief Michael Wright gives remarks during the dedication ceremony for the new tow boat, DCV FREDERICK SKENE, in Troy, New York, August 2, 2024.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District Commander Col. Alexander Young gives remarks while Chief of the District’s Operations, Readiness and Regulatory Functions Division Randall G. Hintz (right) and U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20, left) look on.
