CHAPTER 12
AMMUNITION STORAGE AND HANDLING
ASHORE
Ammunition storage ashore applies to the storage
of explosives, ammunition, and ammunition
components in two different types of environments and
operational conditions. When ammunition is stored at
permanently established storage locations, such as naval
air stations, naval stations, or other ammunition
activities, extensive safety and procedural requirements
exist. However, strategic operations may necessitate
the establishment of ammunition storage facilities at
advanced bases. Although governing regulations exist
for the storage of ammunition at advanced bases, they
are not as extensive as those governing permanent
storage requirements and regulations. The following
text covers ammunition storage ashore and ammunition
storage ashore for advanced bases.
AMMUNITION STORAGE
ASHORE
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Identify
ammunition magazines used ashore.
Recognize the quantity-distance requirements.
Recognize the hazards posed by various classes
of ammunition.
Identify storage capability
groups and their use. Identify the facilities
used to store ammunition at advanced bases.
All units of the Naval Shore and Marine Corps
Establishments that produce, store, ship, or otherwise
handle ammunition, explosives, and other hazardous
materials are under the management and control of
NAVSEASYSCOM. Also, NAVSEASYSCOM
manages and controls the technical aspects of
assembling, maintaining, surveilling, storing, issuing,
shipping, and handling ammunition, explosives, or other
hazardous materials.
AMMUNITION IDENTIFICATION
Ammunition identification is an important part of
ordnance handling and administration. Ammunition
identification tells you the service/nonservice type of
ammunition, class of explosive contained in the round,
Mark (Mk) and modification (Mod) numbers, lot
numbers, and color codes representing the explosive
hazards.
Service Ammunition
Ammunition intended for operational use is
classified as service ammunition. The warhead contains
explosives, pyrotechnics, or chemical agent filler. If
required, the propellant is of service or reduced charge
weight. Aircraft service ammunition is identified as
either armament (kill stores) or ordnance (search
stores).
Nonservice Ammunition
Ammunition used for training personnel is
classified as nonservice ammunition. This ammunition
may be actual service (tactical) quality or may be
specially modified or loaded practice ammunition, inert
training, inert dummy/drill, or exercise/recoverable
ammunition.
PRACTICE/TRAINING AMMUNITION.
This ammunition is designed for training, practice, or
systems testing purposes. It is actually launched, fired,
or dropped. It may be a modification of service
ammunition designed specifically for practice. Practice
ammunition may or may not contain explosive or
pyrotechnic materials. Practice ammunition may be
either expendable or recoverable, depending upon the
device involved.
DUMMY DRILL/INERT AMMUNITION.
This ammunition is completely inert ammunition. It is
used to represent the service ammunition for display
purposes, testing weapons, and weapons handling
operations. It is also used to develop assembly, testing,
and handling proficiency of personnel without actually
firing or launching the ammunition.
EXERCISE/RECOVERABLE AMMUNI-
TION. This is service ammunition that is functional
in all respects except for the explosive payload. The
payload furnishes operational data by the substitution of
recoverable exercise components. Pyrotechnics, dye
marker, or explosive fittings may be attached to or
incorporated in the ammunition.
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