MCALESTER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT, Okla. — An Industrial Operations Coordinator at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant was recognized as Joint Munitions Command's Employee of the Year for 2021, in a virtual awards ceremony, April 18.
Tyler Harper was selected from more than 5,000 Army Civilians throughout JMC for critical contributions to the strategic readiness of the enterprise. Harper managed projects across multiple processes and ensured implementation of critical improvements to enhance employee safety and increase production.
Executive Director for Ammunition/Deputy to the Commander, Jay Carr, recognized Harper, on behalf of JMC Commander, Brig. Gen. Gavin J. Gardner, for executing JMC's overarching goals and missions as a Safety Engineer.
"I along with all of your teammates across the Joint Munitions Command can't thank you enough for your hard work and dedication to the Army's priorities of people, readiness and modernization," said Carr, via video teleconference. "Well deserved."
As an engineer in MCAAP’s Safety Directorate, the 28-year-old from Seminole, Oklahoma, implemented process improvements to MCAAP’s Explosive Safety Site Plans (ESSP), which total more than 1,700. ESSPs are critical to ensure munitions are safely stored on the installation. For each ESSP, Harper helped determine the relationship between potential explosion sites, exposed sites, and personnel, while articulating construction specifications and the positioning of MCAAP’s required equipment.
The ESSPs were submitted, scrutinized, and approved by the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB).
Not only did Harper meet MCAAP’s ESSP requirements as the subject matter expert, but he also provided extensive assistance to Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Anniston Army Depot, Pine Bluff Arsenal, and Blue Grass Army Depot, in the completion of their ESSPs. His efforts in this area will help ensure MCAAP, along with the other JMC/AMC installations, obtain and maintain compliance with DDESB requirements.
Harper also led MCAAP’s team to develop processes, administrative procedures and implement design changes to prevent explosive mishaps.
Harper was selected as the lead to develop the required plans and explosive safety siting of one of MCAAP’s largest production lines. This effort will greatly expand MCAAP’s capabilities and improve our ability to service new and existing customers. Harper’s efforts in this endeavor are estimated to help generate hundreds of millions of dollars in future revenue.
Since his selection as JMC Employee of the Year, Harper was promoted to Industrial Operations Coordinator. As part of MCAAP’s newly established Operations Maintenance Directorate, Harper now serves as project manager over multiple process and equipment improvement projects that are critical to MCAAP’s continued success. These projects have tight timelines, high visibility and require an increased level dedication and commitment to manage the multidisciplinary functions involved.
"In little more than four years, Tyler Harper has contributed his talents unselfishly as a valuable member of the Joint Munitions Command," said Hammond. "I have no doubt that he will continue to positively influence his MCAAP teammates as he transitions to a leadership role as our industrial operations branch chief," said Hammond.
Social Sharing