New Mat-Sinking Unit Chief Announced

The Vicksburg Engineer District has announced the selection of Maurice Gilmore as the new chief of the Mat Sinking Unit.

In his new position, Gilmore will oversee a crew of more than 300 personnel and manage the unit’s mission of sinking concrete mattresses along the Mississippi River to prevent erosion and river migration. He will also be responsible for maintenance of the MSU during the off season.

Gilmore’s career with the MSU began in 2003 as a revetment worker. He also worked as a striker, mechanic, maintenance foreman and, most recently, as the assistant chief of the MSU.

The MSU places hundreds of thousands of articulated concrete mats, also known as revetment, along the Mississippi River to protect flood control works, prevent riverbank erosion and provide navigable waterways for commercial transportation. The unit’s work spans the jurisdictions of the Memphis, Vicksburg and New Orleans districts and more than 1,700 river miles.

“We are focusing on teamwork because no one person can accomplish the mission alone,” Gilmore said. “People are vital to our operation, and I am honored to serve the Mat Sinking Unit crew as their new chief.”

Gilmore resides in Edwards, Miss.. He and his wife, Rodena, have three adult children and are the proud grandparents of three granddaughters.