Readiness requires relentless defense against the elements, and Tobyhanna Army Depot remains the undisputed leader in that fight. By successfully retaining its certifications through the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), Tobyhanna ensures a ready, modern and prepared generation of American warriors across the joint force.
The certification, which was renewed during an external audit with AMPP personnel on Jun. 16, affirms the depot’s excellence in three main categories: QP1 certifies excellence in field coating applications; QP3 certifies excellence in shop coating applications; and AS3-ITO certifies excellence in training courses and facilities. Maintaining this certification places Tobyhanna in exclusive company, with just 500 companies worldwide and no other government agencies possessing the certification.
Earning the AMPP certification isn’t the first time Tobyhanna led the pack within the Department of War (DOW). The organization was the first within the DOW to obtain the ISO 45001 safety certification and also maintains industry-standard certifications for both environmental and quality functions, placing the organization at the highest echelon of readiness providers within the DOW.
Leading the audit was AMPP auditor Mike Damiano, who spent time reviewing technical documentation, observing work areas and speaking with personnel across the organization. Throughout the assessment, Damiano noted the depth and quality of the depot’s procedures, highlighting the extensive documentation that supports daily operations.
“The documentation here is very extensive, which is a very good thing,” said Damiano. “Even though it is an expense in the beginning, everything runs quicker through your system and it pays off in your work in the end.”
The audit reinforced the importance of the detailed technical guidance and standardized processes developed by depot personnel. From work instructions and quality control procedures to training records and operational documentation, the framework helps ensure consistency, efficiency, and accountability across the organization. Damiano also commended the knowledge and professionalism demonstrated by both leadership and artisans, noting the team’s strong understanding of requirements and commitment to quality workmanship.
In addition to reviewing documentation and processes, Damiano evaluated the physical work environment. He specifically recognized the quality of lighting throughout the work areas, emphasizing its impact on both employee safety and productivity.
“Lighting is very, very good in the work areas,” said Damiano. “It’s good for safety and it’s good for productivity. It is outstanding and I would like to see that be kept up on.”
Personnel from the Quality Management Directorate say the AMPP audits are a valuable tool for the depot’s quality management system.
“It was extremely beneficial for someone with Mr. Damiano’s experience to take such a detailed look at TYAD’s processes. His insights and feedback will definitely help us improve on an already solid foundation,” said Bill Stevens, quality assurance specialist.
AMPP auditors will return to Tobyhanna in the summer of 2027 for another surveillance audit.
Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is designated as the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), electronics, avionics, and missile guidance and control. TYAD provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support through depot-level repair, systems integration, software and cyber engineering, and field support. A key enabler of operational readiness for Joint and Allied Forces globally, TYAD leverages new and emerging technologies to further expand the Department of War’s organic capabilities for microelectronics, secure communications infrastructure, unmanned aerial systems, Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), and the Army’s Next Generation Combat Systems (NGC2). TYAD’s ability to rapidly surge production, deploy field support teams, and scale for contingency or theater-level operations makes it a vital contributor to strategic readiness and operational reach.
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