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 am-
munition magazines used ashore. Recognize
the explosive safety quantity-distance (ESQD)
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, 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.
12-1