ammunition stowed. Figure 11-5 shows a ready-service
magazine configured for ready-service missiles. Notice
some missiles are stowed in cradles attached to the
bulkhead. Other missiles are loaded onto handling
equipment and ready for immediate issue. In larger
magazines, such as primary missile magazines,
stanchions may be installed in sockets provided in the
deck and overhead. Cradles are attached to the
stanchions to stow a large number of decanned,
ready-service missiles. Straps are used to secure the
missiles in the cradles.
Stanchions are also used to divide a large magazine
area into smaller areas or bins (fig. 11-9) to hold various
sizes of ammunition with a minimum loss of space. The
stanchions are fitted with slots or have other means for
receiving battens. The battens (which run horizontally)
provide the walls that form the bin.
No matter which stowage method is used, arrange
the stowage area so access to as much ammunition and
as many containers as possible is provided, and provide
adequate space for ventilation and handling operations.
Stow ammunition and explosives on dunnage to provide
an air space so all parts of the magazine receive
maximum ventilation and exposure to the sprinkler
system. Mk 3 or Mk 12 metal pallets are used as
dunnage aboard aircraft carriers. These have the correct
space between the deck and stowed material. They also
provide adequate grounding, Additionally, make sure
that there is an air space of not less than 2 inches between
any ammunition stowage stack and the surface of
adjacent plating or sheathing. Stow the stacks of
ammunition so sprinkler systems, circuit F sensors, or
air escape lines arent obstructed. When different lots
and/or types of ammunition are stored in the same
magazine, segregate the ammunition by lot, size, and
type. Record this information on magazine cards and
post them in the magazine.
Ships at sea move randomly; therefore, securely
fasten all hazardous munitions and explosives in place,
except when they are actually being handled. In some
cases, stanchions and battens provide adequate security.
Other types of ammunition stows, such as palletized
bombs or missile containers, are secured by tie-down
chains especially designed for this purpose. Connect
the tie-down chains to the load and the deck tie-down
points so even the slightest movement of the
ammunition is prevented.
MAGAZINE INSPECTION AND
VISUAL SURVEILLANCE OF
AMMUNITION
The terms magazine inspection and visual
surveillance of ammunition mean the same thing. They
apply to the inspection of magazines and their contents.
Aboard ship, these inspections are mandatory according
to The Ships' Maintenance and Material Management
(3-M) Manual, OPNAVINST 4790.4, other Navy
regulations, and NAVSEASYSCOM instructions.
Magazine inspections are part of the ships Preventive
Maintenance System (PMS), and they should only be
conducted by qualified personnel. These personnel
use a check sheet (maintenance requirements card) to
ensure that a hazard or abnormal condition is not
overlooked.
DAILY VISUAL INSPECTION
Generally, the daily visual inspection of magazines
consists of checking for the following:
Improperly secured stowage
Unsatisfactory protective packaging
Unusual fumes or odors
Magazine cleanliness
Other abnormal conditions
Abnormal conditions in a ships magazine or
ammunition stowage space include evidence of
tampering to gain access, evidence of theft, evidence of
temperature or humidity fluctuations, and the
presence of unauthorized materials. Abnormal
conditions also include evidence of localized
overheating from adjacent compartments on decks,
bulkheads, and overheads; indications of leaks from
sprinkler or flood pipes, nozzles, or control valves and
regulators; and inoperable or damaged reach-rods,
linkages, automatic fire alarm devices, and other similar
equipment in the specific hazard stowages. Record the
results of all magazine inspections on the appropriate
PMS schedule.
An important requirement of the daily magazine
inspection is observing, recording, and reporting
maximum and minimum temperature conditions in
each stowage space.
A maximum-minimum
thermometer (one or more per magazine) is placed in all
magazines when ammunition is stowed in them. The
11-16