The Memphis District officially welcomed a brand new, $25.5 million Bank Grading Unit (BGU), April 11, 2023, when it docked at its new home port at Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis, Tennessee. The new BGU was built over a period of three years and is replacing the district’s legacy bank grader. With nearly 75 years of operations in the books, it’s safe to say the 1949 barge-mounted Bucyrus-Erie dragline model is ready for retirement.
Who: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District
What: Christening the Memphis District’s replacement Bank Grading Unit and the newest addition to the Regional Channel Improvement Fleet – Grader 1. Grader 1 is replacing the district’s 1949 vintage Bucyrus-Erie dragline model.
When: Tuesday, May 2 at 1:30 PM CT
Where: Lower Mud Island Boat Ramp in Wolf River Harbor, 232 Island Drive, Memphis, Tennessee
Why: To honor Retired Bank Grading Unit Operator, Mr. Carl Hammitte, Sr. Mr. Hammitte will be at the ceremony to break the champagne, officially christening and welcoming the Memphis District’s newest addition, Grader 1, to the Regional Channel Improvement Fleet.
Original source can be found here.