CHAPTER 11
AMMUNITION STORAGE AND
HANDLING AFLOAT
The ammunition used by the U.S. Navy must be main-
tained in a state of readiness at all times. Improper, rough or
careless handing, storage, and shipping can result in malfunc-
tioning ammunition and material damage or loss of life.
ORDNANCE CERTIFICATION
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the
purpose and use of the Explosives Handling
Personnel Qualification and Certification
Program, OPNAVINST 8023.2.
The Explosives Handling personnel Qualification
and Certification Program was initiated in 1968 to
determine the qualifications of personnel who were
permitted to participate in ordnance evolutions and any
tasks involving aviation ordnance material. In 1973, the
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) revised the concept
of the program.
The CNO required all personnel
(military and civilian) in the Naval Establishment to
come under this program if the duties and tasks required
them to work with explosive devices. The Explosives
Handling Personnel Qualification and Certification
Program is governed by OPNAVINST 8023.2.
In the past, mishaps caused injury, loss of life, and
damage to equipment. The mishaps were caused by
improper handling, loading, processing, and testing of
explosive devices.
These mishaps reduced the
operational effectiveness of fleet and shore activities.
The major causes of mishaps were personnel errors
induced by inadequate supervision, lack of training,
failure to follow standard operating procedures (SOPS),
and the assignment of unqualified personnel to perform
tasks involving explosive devices. The Navy must rely
on properly qualified personnel. If directives (such as technical
manuals, checklists, loading manuals, and NAVAIR/
NAVSEA directives) are complied with, the number and
frequency of personnel errors will be reduced.
DEFINITIONS
Before you read about ordnance certification, you
need to know the terminology that will be used in this
discussion. The following definitions will help you to
select the correct work task code to use on the Record
of Certification Form (fig. 11-1).
Arm/dearm. Applies to those procedures in the
arming/dearming area section of the applicable loading
manual/checklist, which places the explosive device in
a ready or safe condition. (Examples: rocket launchers;
guided missiles; guns - internal and pods; paraflares -
external and SUU-44 dispenser.)
NOTE: The removal/installation of pylon/
bomb rack safety pins from a nonordnance
loaded station, not requiring a stray voltage check,
is not considered a function requiring certifica-
tion within the purview of this instruction.
Assembly/disassembly. An operation to facilitate
the complete buildup/breakdown of explosive devices.
(Examples: Mk 82 bomb - attaching fins, inserting
electrical fuzes, adapter boosters, etc.; Mk 76/106
practice bombs - inserting signal cartridges; SUU-44 -
inserting trayed paraflares).
Board chairman signature. Signature of the
commanding officer, officer in charge, or department
head designated to act as board chairman. Signature
may be collective, if desired.
Certification board observer signature. Signature
of the certification board observer who actually
observed the individual being certified performing the
task under consideration. A signature is required for
each line entry.
Certification levels. Only list the highest certification
level applicable; e.g., TM, I, TL, and QA are interrelated
Corrections. The use of whiteout/correction tape,
or a single line through the entire line entry that required
correction; i.e., for upgrading or downgrading
certification levels and work task codes.
Decertification. The record of certification form
requires a diagonal line made in red ink, and signed by
the individual and the board chairman, for revocation of
certification for cause.
Delays. Normally, certification occurs within 3
months of the demonstrated proficiency dates.
Explosive device. Applicable explosive device for
which the person is being certified.
11-1
