In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District recognizes veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

Last Call is an internal, informal podcast aimed at enhancing communication and connection between the Jacksonville District command and JaxStrong employees. This podcast serves as a platform to share important updates, discuss district initiatives, address employee concerns, and highlight individual achievements. On this episode, MAJ Westcott (now LTC Westcott) visits the Palatka Field Office in Palatka, Florida, to learn about invasive plant species being monitored by the North Florida Aquatic Plant Control Unit. This unit is responsible for managing invasive plants on the St. Johns River from Jacksonville south to the Highway 520 Bridge. The unit is also responsible for snagging and clearing operations in the St. Johns, Withlacoochee and Ocklawaha Rivers.

The Okeechobee gourd is an endangered plant found nowhere else in the world. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) biologist J. Lee Martin explains the agency's role in its preservation. USACE is charged with surveying and monitoring the region's sensitive ecosystems, and the gourd is a key focus. To ensure this unique species is protected, USACE collaborates closely with its local, state, and federal partners.

It's Labor Day Weekend, and if you're out watching the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp! We hope you'll cheer on our very own Deputy Commander, Maj. Matthew Westcott to throw the first Pitch at the Sunday Game! Join us at the game! This Sunday, August 31st, at 630 pm (US Army Animation by Brigida Sanchez)

The Lac Vieux Desert Tribe and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District asked the U.S. Army Engineer Research & Development, Wetlands Team to collaborate with them in the collection of data and find a way to sustain their Wild Rice Crops “Manoomin.” A cultural and economic resource. (U.S. Army video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

Ever wonder what it takes to protect federal properties from pests? U.S. Department of Agriculture biological technician Matthew Legare and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville District invasive wildlife biologist, Jake Edwards, demonstrate their strategic approach to managing invasive iguanas, pigeons, and feral hogs. Learn how these experts collaborate, utilize trapping methods, and leverage the Economy Act to combat the staggering $26 billion annual cost of invasive species in North America. (U.S. Army Video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

In a discussion with Gene Morisani, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District Chief of the Construction Division, talks about the Construction Division's ongoing construction projects in Florida, which primarily focus on ecosystem restoration, coastal storm risk management, and navigation improvements that keep this well-oiled machine running.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE --U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) and paratroopers assigned to the British 4th Parachute Regiment, conducted land and water airborne operations during Lagoon Leap 2025, in Homestead Air Base and a Deliberate Water Jump into Lake Okeechobee Fla., May 14-16th, 2025.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Geological Survey search for swamp eels in the shallow edges of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes in Orlando, Fla. Swamp eels are not only invasive but also evasive. The multi-agency team uses electroshock to stun the eels for a short time. The swamp eels burrow themselves in the banks of lakes and ponds, making it challenging to capture and manage the spread of this problematic fish. USACE plays a critical role in America's growth and prosperity; we prioritize invasive species management as they affect the ecosystem, flood control, hydropower, and national security. (U.S. Army video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA (May 12, 2025)–Waterway Navigation is the U. S Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) earliest Civil Works mission. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, called upon the Wilmington District’s Dredge MURDEN for an innovative mission to help clear critical shoaling to maintain safe and efficient navigation conditions for military and commercial vessels in the harbor. The USACE Dredge MURDEN is one of those specialized vessels called upon to complete critical dredging operations. The MURDEN, a specialized 156-foot by 35-foot split-hull hopper shallow draft dredge, is designed specifically to get into hard-to-reach areas. Two drag arms are extended below the boat to capture and return shoaled material to the hopper. Command Navy Region Southeast requested immediate dredging on the Leeward side of the bay to provide a path for fuel barges to off-load fuel at Pier Quebec in direct support of the airfield. “This project is great for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and for all vessels that use the Guantanamo Bay harbors. Our team is proud to contribute to maintaining safe and efficient navigation conditions for these vessels,” said Maj. Matthew Westcott, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy District Commander of the Jacksonville District. Before dredging cycles, Jacksonville District hydrographic survey crew members conducted pre-dredge surveys to evaluate the degree of shoaling during dredging operations. Westcott said USACE used a three-pronged approach for the MURDEN to operate; Operations contribute to building out infrastructure for the base that will allow fuel barges pier access, re-opening the St. Nicholas channel, and removing old navigation aid markers and replacing new ones for the U.S. Coast Guard. All to support the warfighter. “The MURDEN is very efficient in what she does, being self-contained in the ways, with the production we can do in various locations,” said Victor S. Nelson, USACE Dredge MURDEN master captain. “This is a tedious job and the crews are focused. We have dredged a large area in a short time,” Nelson said dredging is expected to take less than 45-60 days with 24 hours operations, and two crews working 12-hour days on rotation. The MURDEN’s onboard material holding area is known as the hopper. This modern innovation allows it to carry the sediment load equivalent of up to 50 dump truck loads of dredged material. Dredged material is deposited by opening the split hull at least 2.0 miles offshore, where currents will not bring the material back to the shore. “What makes the Dredge MURDEN special is that we are able to operate it in shallow areas and get the material,” said Shaun Pinkerson, the dredge MURDEN’s drag arm operator and Second Mate. “After it retrieves the materials, the vessel then transports it into the pre-existing disposal management area, just west of the inlet in an approved area, two miles away from the site.” Westcott, Matt Davies, the Jacksonville project manager for the Guantanamo Bay project and Lt. Col. Kenneth Porter, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy District Commander of the Wilmington District assisted Surveyor Robert Nolan Hall, and Geodesist Troy Underhill, with hydro surveys. The surveys were critical to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Port Operations for daily ship operations. Covering over a square kilometer of the ocean floor, the data collected from the hydrographic surveys were used to image the harbor and piers and identify any potential hazards to navigation. In addition, it provided insight to the needs of future dredging operations. When updated surveys were required, USACE hydro surveyors provided those critical surveys. “These modernized and updated surveys saved us time and effort for pier operations and incoming military vessels,” said Lt. Andrea Howland, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Port Operations Officer. This project highlights the interagency operations between USACE, the Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy in support of national security.” Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s location and natural harbor make it an historically valuable strategic asset for maritime powers. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is located approximately 430 miles (700 kilometers) southeast of Miami, on the southeastern coast of Cuba. Established in 1903, it is the United States' oldest overseas military installation and the only one in a communist country. According to the United States' lease with Cuba, the United States retains jurisdiction, while Cuba maintains sovereignty over the 45-square-mile (116-square-kilometer) installation, which is surrounded by a fence line that stretches over 17 miles (27 kilometers). Naval Station Guantanamo Bay serves as a key operational and logistics hub, supporting a variety of missions including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and joint operations. Its unique geographic location provides strategic advantages, enhancing U.S. defense capabilities in the region and serves as a critical forward operating base for various military and humanitarian activities. Guantánamo Bay is an inlet of the Caribbean Sea and indents southeastern Cuba. It is a large and well-sheltered bay, having a narrow entrance to the harbor that is 6 miles wide and 12 miles long with the capability to accommodating large military vessels. The surrounding waters are important for naval operations, and the base's proximity to the open sea allows for training and deployment of naval assets. Greg Zeligman, a KIRA ferry pilot makes trips in the harbor daily with passengers, military, and commercial vehicles. He is responsible for guiding vessels safely across the harbor. Dodging sand shoals and shallow areas had become routine, and he is overjoyed the harbor is 10-15 feet deeper. “I’m extremely pleased with the project and overjoyed that the harbor is 15 feet deeper,” said Zeligman. “I had the opportunity to visit the Dredge MURDEN, ride on the vessel, and talk with the crew.” The MURDEN’s portion of the mission began on March 29 and completed May 28. “I also want to particularly recognize the USACE, Wilmington District of the Corps of Engineers, the crews who have been incredible with MURDEN’s schedule flexibility that enabled a few days to address the critical situation in Guantanamo Bay,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth M. Porter, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy District Commander of the Wilmington District. Porter presented crewmembers with 15, 30 and 40-year awards for their service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “I also want to thank our South Atlantic Division and recognize the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Port Operations team for working with us on this innovative endeavor. The collaboration and partnership were exceptional and foundational to our success,” added Porter. At the conclusion of her mission, the MURDEN returned to the states and is headed for general maintenance and repairs in New Orleans. (The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District on the district’s website at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong.’

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, in partnership with The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Jacksonville Post, hosted an Engineering Career Day event at the downtown Jacksonville. Engineering Career Day is an event that is held every February during National Engineers Week, which typically brings more than 100 students and teachers from Northeast Florida high schools together to compete in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) challenges. This year’s event brought together a total of 26 teams from 9 different high schools together to participate. The Jacksonville District Engineering Division Chief, Laureen Borochaner, delivered the opening remarks, in which she highlighted the importance of Engineering Week and the positive impact it has on young students interested in pursuing a career in the engineering field.

The REstoration COordination & VERification team (RECOVER) is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team that synthesizes and applies cutting-edge scientific and technical expertise to drive the success of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The importance of the data the RECOVER team collects resonates far beyond the scientific community. It's a shared resource, crucial, for both those driving Everglades restoration and the residents who live, work and play in Florida. (U.S. Army Video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Area Engineer, Juan Sanchez Bulted, explains the over arching goal of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is to improve the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water flows to the central Everglades, Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) and Everglades National Park (ENP). The purpose of CEPP- EAA Reservoir Phase is to construct a 240,000 acre-foot EAA reservoir and 6,500 acre-foot stormwater treatment area, and integrate with A-1 FEB operations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to provide clean water to the Everglades and the growing population of South Florida.(U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Video By Brigida Sanchez)

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Aerial video of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake shows extensive damages to the campground areas damages caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. A majority of the 51 Corps of Engineers-operated recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake are closed through the 2025 season and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage included 500,000 cubic yards of downed trees, more than 21,000 leaning trees and 2,000 stumps, in addition to damaged buildings and other infrastructure. The hazardous debris and conditions rendered many areas inaccessible. All existing campground and picnic shelter reservations will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be waived. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Aerial video of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake shows extensive damages to the campground areas damages caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. A majority of the 51 Corps of Engineers-operated recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake are closed through the 2025 season and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage included 500,000 cubic yards of downed trees, more than 21,000 leaning trees and 2,000 stumps, in addition to damaged buildings and other infrastructure. The hazardous debris and conditions rendered many areas inaccessible. All existing campground and picnic shelter reservations will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be waived. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Aerial video of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake shows extensive damages to the campground areas damages caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. A majority of the 51 Corps of Engineers-operated recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake are closed through the 2025 season and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage included 500,000 cubic yards of downed trees, more than 21,000 leaning trees and 2,000 stumps, in addition to damaged buildings and other infrastructure. The hazardous debris and conditions rendered many areas inaccessible. All existing campground and picnic shelter reservations will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be waived. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)

Operation Blue Roof Recipient Mark Arena, a Poinciana, Florida resident and U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran received the last Blue Roof install on his home. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commemorated the last day of Operation Blue Roof construction Nov. 19, 2022, in Poinciana, Fla, marking the end of Operation Blue Roof in Florida that provided temporary roofing protection to homes damaged by Hurricane Milton in 25 counties. The program covered more than 8100 roofs, installing about 100 acres of reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting, providing a temporary solution that allowed homeowners to remain in their homes until they can make permanent repairs. Operation Blue Roof, managed by USACE for FEMA, is a no cost, free service for homeowners. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

Operation Blue Roof Recipient Luther Rosebaro, a Sarasota resident obtained help through Operation Blue Roof and received a Blue Roof on his home. The 56th Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. William H. Graham visited Sarasota, Florida, Oct. 29 and met with Rosebaro. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 56th Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. William H. Graham visited Sarasota, Florida, Oct. 29 and met with Luther Rosebaro a Sarasota resident who received a Blue Roof. Graham also provided a brief message to USACE employees deployed from various districts around the world. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

Travis Harrison, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof field quality assurance specialist and Detroit District employee, conducts a roof assessment Nov. 11 at Port Richey, Florida. A homeowner applied for the program after Hurricane Milton. The assessment is to determine if the home qualifies for the free, professionally installed fiber-reinforced sheeting service offered by the Corps of Engineers in support of FEMA. The Operation Blue Roof deadline to apply is Nov. 14, 2024. To learn more, or to apply for the free program, visit Blueroof.gov or call 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) (U.S. Army video by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Contractors install Blue Roofs on homes damaged by Hurricane Milton in Sarasota, Florida on Nov.7. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by USACE for FEMA. The mission’s purpose is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.

Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District Commander takes a few minutes to thank and honor those Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen, who have served this nation in war and peace and are currently employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for your selflessness and recognize the sacrifices you have made as members of the United States Armed Forces. (USACE video by Michelle Roberts)

The Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof program has been extended until November 14. Operation Blue Roof is a free program for homeowners in 25 eligible counties who sustained roofing damage from Hurricane Milton. Visit BlueRoof.gov for more details and to apply online or call 888-ROOF-BLU. Operators are available from 8 am to 8 pm every day. Again, that’s BlueRoof.gov or 888-ROOF-BLU for more details. The 25 eligible counties for Operation Blue Roof are Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by USACE for FEMA. The mission’s purpose is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with blue- colored, fiber-reinforced sheeting to temporarily cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service for homeowners.

Operación Techo Azul del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército se ha extendido hasta el 14 de noviembre. Operación Techo Azul es un programa gratuito para los propietarios de viviendas en 25 condados elegibles que sufrieron daños en los techos a causa del huracán Milton. Visita BlueRoof.gov para obtener más detalles y presentar una solicitud en línea o llame al 888-ROOF-BLU. Los operadores están disponibles de 8 a. m. a 8 p. m. todos los días. Nuevamente, visite BlueRoof.gov o llame 888-ROOF-BLU para obtener más detalles. Los 25 condados elegibles para Operation Blue Roof son Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter y Volusia. Operación Techo Azul es una misión prioritaria administrada por USACE para FEMA. El propósito de la misión es proporcionar a los propietarios de viviendas y a las propiedades de alquiler ocupadas permanentemente en áreas de desastre láminas reforzadas con fibra de color azul para cubrir temporalmente sus techos dañados hasta que se puedan hacer arreglos para realizar reparaciones permanentes. Este es un servicio gratuito para los propietarios de viviendas.

Maj. Matt Westcott, a commander of the Hurricane Milton Emergency Field Office and deputy district engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, offers an update on USACE’s role in helping the City of Lakeland and areas around Lake Bonny with water pumping operations during the recovery from Hurricane Milton. (U.S. Army video by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Maj. Matt Westcott, a commander of the Hurricane Milton Emergency Field Office and deputy district engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, offers an update on USACE’s role in helping the City of Lakeland and areas around Lake Bonny with water pumping operations during the recovery from Hurricane Milton. (U.S. Army video by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 56th chief of engineers, Lt. Gen. William H. Graham, visited the Sarasota, Florida, area to meet with leaders and volunteers involved with USACE's Hurricane Milton response. During his visit, Graham stopped into the USACE Hurricane Milton Emergency Field Office (EFO), to receive briefings and recognize employees who have gone above and beyond in the recovery effort. “It’s an amazing job you’re doing here,” said Graham. “It’s great to see the work that the Jacksonville District, supported by the enterprise across the country, continues to do to get Florida back on its feet.” While in Sarasota, Graham, accompanied by Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District commander, Maj. Matt Westcott, Jacksonville District deputy district engineer and EFO commander, and Nicole Cominoli, an Omaha District program manager and Operation Blue Roof mission manager, paid a visit to homeowner Luther Rosebaro, a local artist whose home received a Blue Roof. Rosebaro, who has resided in Sarasota since 2008, said his home was damaged from the high winds during Hurricane Milton. After the storm passed, he heard about the Blue Roof Program on a local news station. “After Hurricane Milton departed, I was watching Channel 13 news Tampa and heard them say something about the Army Corps of Engineers' free Blue Roof program, so I got online, registered and three or four days later, my roof was completed,” said Rosebaro. Operation Blue Roof is a free service to eligible homeowners and provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. The sign-up period was recently extended and now ends Nov. 14. Those interested may apply at BlueRoof.gov or calling 888-ROOF-BLU.

Joan Koob, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof field quality assurance specialist and Omaha District employee, conducts a roof assessment Nov. 1 on St. Pete Beach, Florida. A homeowner applied for the program after Hurricane Milton. The assessment is to determine if the home qualifies for the free, professionally installed fiber-reinforced sheeting service offered by the Corps of Engineers in support of FEMA. The Operation Blue Roof deadline to apply is Nov. 14, 2024. To learn more, or to apply for the free program, visit Blueroof.gov or call 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) (U.S. Army photo by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Maj. Matt Westcott, Deputy District Commander, Jacksonville District walks us through the procedures of requesting a Blue Roof. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced blue sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Getting eyes on the damage is a vital step in the process of this free service paid for by FEMA. (USACE video by Mark Rankin) Attention: Florida Residents: If your home was damaged by Hurricane #Milton, Operation Blue Roof can help with free temporary roof repairs! The Corps of Engineers is working to provide eligible homeowners with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting for damaged roofs. Here’s how to sign up: Visit: Blueroof.gov Call:888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) This service is available in 25 countries, including Brevard, Citrus, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and more. The initial sign-up period ends Nov. 14. This temporary fix can help give you peace of mind as you work toward permanent repairs.