U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commissions new survey vessel to Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be introducing a new survey vessel to the Wilmington District.

The vessel HAYES is being named after Elaine V. Hayes.

The USACE says that Hayes dedicated 37 years of federal service to the Wilmington District, making lasting contributions to its survey, mapping, dredging, and navigation missions.

The S/V HAYES replaces the decommissioned S/V BEAUFORT, which supported the district’s navigation and dredging operations for over 40 years.

Operating out of the Morehead City Survey Field Office, the S/V HAYES will primarily perform hydrographic surveys for the Morehead City deep-draft entrance channels and the North Carolina State Port of Morehead City.

These include routine project condition surveys as well as pre- and post-dredging surveys for contracted projects and the USACE Shallow Draft Fleet.

The vessel will also conduct surveys in shallow-draft inlets, open-water placement areas, near-shore placement areas, and open-water sand sources throughout its area of responsibility.