Corps of Engineers names new chief of river operations - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

VICKSBURG, Ms., (KNOE 8 News) - Thomas L. Hengst has recently been chosen as the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps) chief of river operations at the Vicksburg District.

As the chief of river operations, Hengst will be responsible for executing the management, planning, operations and maintenance of all navigational projects within the three-state area of responsibility of the Vicksburg District.

Prior to his new appointment, Hengst served as the chief of flood control and hydropower.  He has also held the positions of project manager and senior project manager in the programs, projects and management section. He began his career at the Vicksburg District as a cost engineer. 
 
Hengst is a native of Sharkey County and grew up in Rolling Fork.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University.  He is a Registered Professional Engineer and professional land surveyor in the State of Mississippi.  He and his wife Pamela are the parents of three children and are members of the Rolling Fork Methodist Church.

The River Operations Branch is responsible for channel improvement , dredging, and navigation activities on the lower Mississippi, Red, Ouachita/Black, and Pearl rivers. This work is accomplished by utilizing specialized floating plant, dustpan and cutterhead dredges, towboats, survey boats, and various other river-related equipment. The scope of work encompasses four Corps of Engineers districts, seven states, multiple watersheds, and utilizes the latest technology in river engineering and operations. The River Operations Division is home to the Mat Sinking Unit and the dredging unit which consists of the Motor Vessel (MV) William James, MV Benyaurd, MV Harrison and the Dredge Jadwin.