McALESTER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT, Okla. -- The Army opened a renovated production line here, recently, to meet a spike in Air Force bomb requirements and increase the organic industrial base's ability to support third party contracts for public-private partners.
The modernization of B-Line West gives MCAAP the capability to produce MK84 2,000-pound general purpose bombs and BLU 109/B penetrators for the Air Force, while also increasing its capacity to load, assemble and pack (LAP) Tritonal-filled munitions for General Dynamics and other defense contractors.
"The importance of this newly renovated bomb line cannot be overstated," said Col. Sean Herron, MCAAP Commander. "The expanded capability allows MCAAP the flexibility to produce multiple bomb variants simultaneously, generating readiness for our forces and providing commanders options for prosecuting targets."
Work on the line, which was dormant and in layaway status since the early 1990s, began with the disassembly and decontamination of the World War II-era cap-off building in June 2015. It was followed by the modernization of the pour facility and other support buildings.
The design, fabrication, installation, and prove-out of the $8 million project was completed entirely by the MCAAP workforce.
Modernization of the line was needed to accommodate the Congressional waiver that was given for the Air Force to transition from an insensitive munition back to Tritonal filled bombs.
Representatives from the munitions industry, both public and private sector, who were involved in the effort to bring B-Line West online to LAP Tritonal-filled bombs, visited MCAAP for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, May 13.
James Shields, Program Executive Officer for Ammunition, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., was one of the five dignitaries to address the audience.
Shields recognized the Air Force, under the leadership of Maj. Gen. (select) Shaun Q. Morris, for championing the Insensitive Munition waiver with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Army Contracting Command at Rock Island Arsenal for accelerating the contract work.
He also acknowledged the contributions of public-private partner, General Dynamics -- Ordnance and Tactical Systems, and their strategic partners, for securing explosives and other vital components for final LAP of the MK-84 bomb kit at MCAAP.
"It's been said before, but acquisition truly is a team sport, and it took every member of the team to do their part to deliver the remarkable results of the bomb team -- initial bomb delivery in less than 18 months from first being informed of the urgent requirement," Shields said.
MCAAP has been in a partnership with GD-OTS to LAP bombs for direct commercial sales since 2005. Its role in national defense was not lost on GD-OTS' leader.
"For decades now, McAlester has played a critical, and prominent role in our nation's defense and has done so with great distinction," said Firat H. Gezen, GD-OTS President, during the ceremony.
"Today, we get to celebrate yet another McAlester success story that clearly marks your vast contributions in defending our great nation."
Each speaker praised MCAAP and the teamwork among public and private partners that led to the successful opening of the modernized production line.
"It's amazing what we can accomplish together when no one is concerned about who gets the credit," Morris said.
"This project is the case study for what we can achieve when we all work toward a common goal."
MCAAP is one of 14 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial base facilities under the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
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