Corps Talk

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ newest hopper dredge, the Donnelly, is taking shape at Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Allanton Shipyard in Panama City, Florida. Built to replace the nearly 60-year-old dredge McFarland, the Donnelly is a ready reserve vessel designed to carry forward the Corps’ navigation mission and help keep America’s shipping channels open and safe. This video goes inside the build, where steel, sparks and shipyard craftsmanship are bringing the Donnelly to life. Through interviews with the ship’s captain, chief engineer and a USACE Marine Design Center quality assurance representative, we explore the design, mission and modern capabilities of a vessel built to support dredging operations alongside private industry when extra capacity is needed. Watch the Donnelly take shape, and see how this modern ship reflects America's ingenuity and commitment to the infrastructure that safeguards our nation’s waterways. (U.S. Army video by Daniel S. Marciniak)

As Hurricane Helene swept through the southeastern United States in late September 2025, it left behind widespread destruction, particularly in Southwest Virginia. Two of the hardest-hit areas in Virginia were the City of Damascus and Claytor Lake in Dublin due to extreme flooding of both the New and Holston Rivers. Hosts James Walker and LTC Tony Funkhouser traveled to Claytor Lake after the Debris Removal operation to sit down with the key leaders from the local, state, and federal levels who spearheaded the massive recovery operation and recorded this season finale episode of the Corps Talk podcast. Watch or listen to this episode to discover how disaster response transitions from local public safety and first responders to state elements such as the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and ultimately to federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and FEMA. The guests explain the timeline of operations, from initial emergency assessments to long-term environmental recovery, and the logistical challenges associated with such large-scale debris removal operations. Featured Guests: Aaron Jones – PRT Mission Manager, USACE - Baltimore District Dave Dobyns – Board of Directors, FOCL Ben Porter – Emergency Management Specialist, USACE - Norfolk District Brody Havens – Park Manager, Claytor Lake State Park Whether you're simply curious about how emergency response works, passionate about environmental restoration, or interested in how real-world interagency disaster response operations might affect you and your family during a large-scale emergency, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a community-driven recovery effort that you won't want to miss.

In this insightful episode, James Walker and Maj. Funkhouser sit down with Saniyah Roberts-Dove, a recent student intern at the Norfolk District, to discuss the impact of the ongoing partnership between the Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering (AMIE) program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Saniyah shares her personal experiences, highlighting how this collaboration is shaping future leaders and providing invaluable opportunities for students, universities, the Corps, and the broader community. Tune in to learn more about how this partnership is creating a bridge between academia and practical engineering experience, supporting the development of a new generation of engineers who are ready to take on real-life challenges of tomorrow. For more information on the AMIE partnership, visit AMIE Partnerships. For more information on how you can potentially intern at USACE Norfolk District, reach out to Sharika Wannemacher, the Norfolk District Workforce Coordinator: [email protected] The video version of this podcast can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CowsAkmUeRI

In this episode of Corps Talk, Maj. Tony Funkhouser, James Walker, and Col. Sonny B. Avichal—the newly appointed 61st Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District—delve into the transformative nature of change and its impact on both personal and organizational development. On July 12, 2024, Col. Brian Hallberg officially relinquished command of the Norfolk District to Col. Avichal. In this engaging discussion, Col. Avichal addresses the community served by the Corps and the Corps employees themselves, assuring everyone that USACE will continue to uphold its esteemed reputation. Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership transition, the future of the Norfolk District, and the ongoing commitment of USACE to excellence and community service. Link to the full video version is HERE: https://youtu.be/Hzi-G3Am0vo?si=39JBoBTNS6b_fEtp

This is b-roll filmed April 11 at the new 10-acre laydown yard being used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to process wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge site. An estimated 50,000 tons of concrete and steel collapsed; once removed, wreckage is sorted and transported two miles away by barge to Sparrows Point. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel. Sections: 1) Waterfront: 0:00-1:00 2) USACE official inspection: 1:00-2:43 3) Processing yard (wide & closeup): 2:43-5:55 4) Steel - torch cutting: 5:55-7:32 5) Steel - machine cutting: 7:32-11:05