USACE Vicksburg District names Speckhart new Deputy Commander

Aug. 18, 2025 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has welcomed Maj. Benjamin Speckhart as its new deputy commander. Speckhart officially assumed the role on Aug. 18.

A native of Taylor, Missouri, Speckhart commissioned as an engineer officer after graduating from the United States Military Academy in 2011. Over his career, he has served in a wide range of leadership roles, including company commander of Alpha Company, 326th Brigade Engineer Battalion, and division engineer for the 1st Armored Division. He most recently served as executive officer for the 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Speckhart also previously worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District as a project engineer and project manager from 2019 to 2022.

“It’s a true honor to take on this new role in the Vicksburg District,” Speckhart said. “I’m proud to support the incredible professionals here, whose dedication, expertise, and commitment to the mission are the foundation of all we accomplish.”

Speckhart holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from West Point, a master’s degree in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a master’s degree in operational studies from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He is also a licensed professional engineer and a certified project management professional.

His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. He has also received the Engineer Regiment’s Bronze DeFleury Medal and the Armor Regiment’s Noble Patron of Armor award.

The Vicksburg District oversees a 68,000-square-mile area in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. The district manages nine major river basins, about 460 miles of Mississippi River levees, and employs roughly 1,100 personnel.