NASHVILLE, Tenn. (DEC. 7, 2021) – Chris Clabough, a lock and dam mechanic at Fort Loudon and Melton Hill Locks, is named U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee of the Month for September 2021. He is recognized primarily for his program improvement efforts while concurrently performing temporary duties as the diving safety instructor for Louisville District’s Olmsted Construction Project Office.
Lt. Col. Joseph Sahl, Nashville District commander, announced Clabough’s selection and referred to him and his leadership as “another example of the District’s team members working together to ensure the District’s mission is completed on time, but more importantly properly and safely.” Sahl continues, “A dedicated, career-minded professional, he is deserving of this award several times over.”
Sahl’s sentiments were echoed by Matt Emmons, facilities manager and lockmaster at Fort Loudon Lock. Clabough has worked directly underneath Emmons for five years. Previously, he worked for Kyle Tanner in the diving program. “Chris has a work ethic and attention to detail beyond reproach. He goes the extra mile and researched information proactively to make sure he is always on target,” Emmons discussed.
On Dec. 29th, Clabough will celebrate 19 years of service to the Nashville District. He began his career at Old Hickory Lake’s repair station where he traveled to all the navigational locks and powers houses to conduct routine, minor, and major maintenance. In 2004, he joined the district’s diving program and has conducted countless dive operations across the district.
After graduating from the Lock Operator Training Program in 2007, Clabough went to Cheatham Lock as the lock operator.
Primarily, Clabough provides major repairs and maintenance of the locks through masonry, rigging, carpentry, plumbing and pipefitting on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Additionally, Clabough serves as the lead for the Environmental & Safety Programs in place at Fort Loudon & Melton Hill Locks; ensuring they meet internal inspection standards, annually.
Throughout his career, Clabough has worked diligently to hone his professional skills. Notably, his attention to detail is critical to his success, as well as the success and safety of those around him. As the diving safety inspector for Louisville District’s Olmsted Construction Project Office, Clabough provided daily oversight, keeping the dive team and project safe at Lock and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River. Under his supervision, the dive team performed various high hazard underwater tasks such as installation and removal of the dewatering box, diamond wire saw cutting, and concrete removal without incident.
Doting on his employee, Emmons noted how meaningful it is to him to see Clabough recognized, “Chris has been laser focused on his personal [and professional] growth for the past four years and has made incredible sacrifices.” Emmons raved, “I don't think I have ever seen anyone grow as much as Chris has in a four-to-five-year period of time.”
When asked about the personal sacrifices he’s made, Clabough states, “The most challenging part about being TDY is not being able to go home to my wife and kids.” His sacrifices have paid off, including receiving the employee of the month designation.
“This award has been something I have chased after since I began my career.” He credits this accomplishment to the staff at Fort Loudon. “Because of my work schedule and diving operations, it requires me to be at different facilities for the most part of the year. The staff here at Fort Loudoun has to take on my responsibilities while I'm away, [doubling] the workload for them.”
Appreciative of the recognition, Clabough offers these sage words of wisdom guiding his career, “Don’t underestimate your ability to work as a team to accomplish any mission the Corps has. It’s just concrete and steel we work with, together we can make it any shape we want.”
(The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps.