MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will christen a new river towboat this week in Memphis.

In a news release, the corps says the Motor Vessel George C. Grugett is scheduled to be christened Tuesday at Beale Street Landing in Memphis. The christening will follow the Mississippi River Commission's public meeting aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi at the same location.

The 114-foot-long river towboat is named for George C. Grugett, who is a former executive assistant for the corps' Memphis District. He retired from federal service in 1980 after a 35 year-career and has since served as executive vice president of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association.

The new vessel will support the corps' navigation mission on the Mississippi River.