RCMD OPERATIONS AT DOVER AIR FORCE BASE (DAFB)The U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA) Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (RCMD) partnered with Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) for a tenth mission to assess and destroy recovered chemical weapons. RCMD maintains the U.S. Army expertise and technology to conduct these operations in a safe, environmentally sound manner. As in previous operations with DAFB, the two recovered 75mm projectiles were dredged from the ocean during clamming/fishing operations and recovered at a seafood processing facility in Delaware. An explosive ordnance disposal response team safely moved the items to DAFB, the closest military installation, for assessment and storage of Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC). Under RCMD management, experts from 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive) overpacked the items in Multiple Round Containers, allowing for safe assessment, transport and storage. Operators used RCMD’s non-intrusive assessment technology developed to identify the contents and explosive capability of a munition of concern without opening it, reducing the threat to public safety. Using this field assessment data and historical records, the Materiel Assessment Review Board, comprised of subject matter experts from Army units involved in chemical research and operations, determined the 75mm projectiles contained mustard agent and recommended destruction in RCMD’s Explosive Destruction System (EDS). During recovery and assessment, the items were stored safely at DAFB pending destruction. RCMD deployed the EDS to treat the recovered items. The EDS uses cutting charges to explosively access chemical munitions before neutralizing the chemical agent. The system’s main component, a sealed stainless steel vessel, contains all blast, vapor and fragments from the process. The EDS site layout at DAFB was set up in accordance with all applicable laws and permit requirements, ensuring the safety of workers and protection of the environment. RCMD destruction operations were completed in December 2021. |