ANAD, GDLS complete production of Stryker Dragoons

By Jennifer BacchusJune 29, 2018

ANAD, GDLS complete production of Stryker Dragoons
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- The depot, along with their partners in General Dynamics Land Systems and Project Management Office, Stryker Brigade Combat Team, celebrated the conclusion of the first production run of Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle Dragoon variants during a ceremony June 26.

The idea for the variant, which is topped by a 30 mm. weapons system, came from an operational needs statement by the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stationed in Germany.

With the withdrawal of Abrams and Bradley vehicles from the area, the 2nd Cav. realized they required direct-fire capabilities.

The organization submitted the needs statement on March 30, 2015, and within three months, on July 23, the Acquisition Decision Memorandum to acquire a Stryker-based 30 mm weapons system was approved by the Army Acquisition Executive.

"Your combined efforts resulted in a new Stryker variant being designed, developed and produced in record time," said Lt. Col. Joseph Rosen, product manager for Stryker Future Operations.

Because the vehicle was created based on the requirements of the 2nd Cav., it was given the name Dragoon to reflect the official nickname and historical lineage of the regiment.

Vehicle induction began at ANAD in the summer of 2016 and the first unit was equipped with vehicles in May 2018.

Wendy Staiger, program director for Stryker Brigade Combat Teams for GDLS, shared how the number of Veterans who work for General Dynamics inspired their organization to always keep the war fighters in mind when producing vehicles.

She thanked the partners who assisted GDLS in meeting the mission and delivering the vehicles ahead of schedule.

"You've climbed over walls and moved mountains without ever taking your eyes off the end goal," said Staiger.

Jeff Simmons, the depot's director of Production Management, discussed some of the logistical challenges the partners overcame during the course of production.

"We had never inducted, shipped and received assets in the same program," said Simmons.

But, the depot and its partners did exactly that for the Stryker ICV-D. The depot inducted the Infantry Carrier Vehicles destined for the new variant, disassembled them to rework components and performed all necessary body work.

The vehicles were then shipped to Lima, Ohio, where GDLS employees installed the new turret system for the 30 mm. weapons system.

Vehicles were then shipped back to Anniston where GDLS employees reinstalled the overhauled or repaired components and tested the final product.

Rosen told the crowd about the countless individuals - mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers - who would have their lives positively impacted by the new vehicle for generations to come.

"I believe each and every one of you want to do your part in ensuring our nation's security and future," he said. "Each of those vehicles takes a small piece of you with it."