Alaska District News

Seattle-based emergency management specialist provides valuable leadership on USACE flood mitigation efforts in Mendenhall Valley

Cameron McLeod — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:43:21 GMT

Recurring glacial outburst floods in southeast Alaska’s Mendenhall Valley present a challenging and complicated issue for homeowners and businesses in Juneau. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively working with the City and Borough of Juneau and other stakeholders to construct effective flood risk mitigation solutions, assembling materials and experienced professionals from across the country to work toward an effective solution for Juneau.

Michelle Mandel named chief of Alaska District's Contracting Division

Cameron McLeod — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:29:13 GMT

Michelle Mandel became the chief of the Contracting Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Alaska District on January 25, 2026. In this role, she oversees contracting work for the diverse mission portfolio of the district, which includes military, civil works, environmental and other agency construction projects across the state and in multiple countries.

Randy Bowker retires from Alaska District after 33 years of service

Cameron McLeod — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:45:47 GMT

The Alaska District celebrated the retirement of Randy Bowker, deputy district engineer and director of programs and project management, in a ceremony at the district headquarters on Dec. 16. Brig. Gen. Joseph “Clete” Goetz, commanding general of the Pacific Ocean Division, and Col. Jeffrey Palazzini, district commander, presented multiple awards, including the Silver Order of the de Fleury Medal, Army Distinguished Civilian Service Medal and a certificate of retirement to Bowker at the event. In addition, staff from around the district offered gifts in appreciation of his service to the organization.

USACE commander reflects on deployment to wildfire debris removal mission in southern California

Cameron McLeod — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:03:00 GMT

Col. Jeffrey Palazzini, commander of the USACE - Alaska District, served as the commander of the Pacific Palisades emergency field office, or EFO, for nearly four months in 2025. In this capacity, he served as a crucial leader and resource for other deployed personnel as they worked tirelessly to clear debris from the community, enabling residents and business owners to safely proceed in their recovery efforts.

Temporary flood barriers prove effective during flood event in Juneau

Cameron McLeod and John Budnik — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:38:43 GMT

During the week of August 11, the Mendenhall Glacier released its yearly glacier lake outburst flood, also known as a jökulhlaup (Yah-cuh-laup). In preparation for the potential threat to infrastructure and public safety, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided temporary flood mitigation barriers to the City and Borough of Juneau last winter. While USACE continues to prepare a technical study that will help to define the parameters of an enduring flood risk mitigation solution, these barriers provided vital short-term protection to the community along the river this week by holding back the glacial water released from Suicide Basin and performing well during the peak of the floodwaters.

USACE breaks ground at coastal erosion project in Alaskan community of Utqiagvik

Cameron McLeod — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:38:16 GMT

Representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Alaska District participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Barrow Coastal Erosion Project in the community of Utqiagvik on Aug. 11. They joined representatives of the North Slope Borough and the contractor to celebrate the construction of the critical shoreline protection, which began in July after the first batch of armor rock arrived from Nome on the 28th.

14-year multipurpose disaster shelter program reaches completion in Bangladesh

Cameron McLeod — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:14:44 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District recently completed a robust construction effort aimed at reducing the threat of coastal storms to communities in eastern Bangladesh. Multipurpose Disaster Shelters, or MPDSs, are tailor-made for the volatile conditions of cyclone season. During periods of normal weather, these structures serve functions such as schools and clinics. When the annual storms bring severe flooding, the shelters are built to stand above the flooding and provide secure, elevated spaces for the community.

Small projects in Vietnam yield huge impacts for citizens, diplomatic relations

John Budnik — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Recently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District completed construction of two primary schools and a medical clinic in rural parts of Vietnam. Through a partnership between the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, USACE, Vietnam government and local contractors, the United States government aims to enhance the quality of life for Vietnamese residents through these projects while strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.

USACE completes handover of newly constructed kindergarten building in Mongolia

Cameron McLeod — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:38:13 GMT

While Alaska and Mongolia are separated by an ocean, the two regions share some key characteristics. Frigid climates, rugged mountains and austere regions can make for challenging construction, but staff at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District are experts at delivering high-quality infrastructure in arctic conditions. The team recently celebrated the handover of a newly constructed kindergarten building in the remote community of Tosontsengel. For this critical project, their experience in Alaska guided them to an effective construction solution while thousands of miles from home.

USACE staff observe dam infrastructure in Switzerland in preparation for tunnel project in Alaska

Cameron McLeod — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:20:53 GMT

Staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District toured dam infrastructure in the heart of the rugged Swiss Alps as part of a temporary duty trip. After cataloguing their findings abroad, the team returned to Alaska with a renewed perspective for the improvement of the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion project set in similar mountains near Seward.

USACE regulatory program celebrates rollout of new online permitting system to augment critical mission

Cameron McLeod — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 21:09:00 GMT

From the crystalline glacial streams of the Kenai Peninsula to the remote lakes of the Interior, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District’s Regulatory Division is tasked with protecting aquatic resources while balancing reasonable development through the issuing of permits. With an added emphasis on high-quality customer service, USACE recently unveiled the new Regulatory Request System as an important new development for the regulatory mission and for permittees to engage with the program.

Concrete is hard: Materials workshop keeps technical staff skills sharp

Cameron McLeod — Tue, 07 May 2024 18:00:47 GMT

Recently, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Alaska District’s Construction Division, Civil and Sanitary Section and Geotechnical and Materials Section participated in a field concrete and materials workshop at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The event included classroom instruction, applied training and a written exam for attendees to obtain the American Concrete Institute’s foundational Level One Field Concrete Certification, which acts as the industry standard for engineers and construction workers around the world.

USACE completes largest child development center in the Army at Fort Wainwright

Cameron McLeod — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 23:12:00 GMT

A new era of high-quality childcare has dawned in the Fort Wainwright and greater Fairbanks community in Alaska’s interior. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District is conducting its post-construction activities after completing the largest child development center at Fort Wainwright, which will accommodate up to 338 children.

Army engineers transfer ownership of remote armory to support Alaska community

Ms. Rachel Napolitan — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 20:56:43 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District transferred ownership of an Army National Guard armory to the community of Scammon Bay on Dec. 21, 2022. This real estate transaction marks the first divestiture of military property within the state under the Bob Stump Act. Eight more facilities are scheduled for turnover in the coming years.

Army engineers partner for 25 years with federal biologists to study duck nesting ecology in Alaska

Ms. Rachel Napolitan — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:12:00 GMT

The whistling sound of beating wings moves through the forest as a common goldeneye duck lands in a nest box mounted to the side of a tree near the Moose Creek Dam in North Pole, Alaska. Focused on laying its eggs within the cozy confines of this manmade wooden structure, the bird is unaware of its vital role in a unique scientific study.

Army’s deputy for civil works tours newly funded projects, emphasizes tribal partnerships in Alaska

Mr. John Budnik — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Members of the traveling party with Jaime Pinkham, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, witnessed this polar bear encounter near the community of Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, while touring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District’s Barrow Coastal Erosion Project. During the week of Feb. 21, the dignitary visited several civil works projects in the state that were recently funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. In total, this congressionally authorized funding will provide nearly $1 billion for civil works construction in Alaska.

Army engineers promote STEM education, careers during Engineers Week in Alaska

Ms. Rachel Napolitan — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:06:00 GMT

Armed with toothpicks and marshmallows, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District conducted outreach events at four Anchorage schools to mark National Engineers Week from Feb. 20 to 26. The annual observance is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in science, technology, engineering and math careers.

Sitka woman finds STEM career with Army engineers

Ms. Rachel Napolitan — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:21:00 GMT

Everyone pursues a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for a different reason. Danielle Perkins, Department of the Army apprentice at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District, followed the footsteps of her dad and grandpas into that sector.

Engineers tackle Army Combat Fitness Test in Alaska

Ms. Rachel Napolitan — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:03:00 GMT

Soldiers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District partnered with the 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion to assess their strength and stamina during the Army Combat Fitness Test on Aug. 17 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Alaska logistics team covers expansive territory, tackles unique mission

John Budnik — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:00:00 GMT

There are many everyday challenges with living and working in the Far North that can be attributed to one thing – logistics. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Logistics Activity team working in Alaska overcomes the constraints of time, distance, terrain and weather to support unique mission requirements across an area spanning 660,000 square miles.