More than 300 people from the Pueblo, Colorado, area attended an event marking the upcoming start of operations at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) during the Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) Open House June 14.

“As we near the initiation of plant operations, we proudly take ownership of this pivotal point in the depot’s history,” Col. Thomas Duncan, PCD, said. “I am honored to be a part of this team and to represent the Department of Defense civilians and contractors who do all the hard work each day to ensure the safety and security of the stockpile.”

Plant leadership and distinguished guests cut a ribbon commemorating the start of plant operations, forecasted for later this year.

“Our employees built this plant, are in the final stages of testing it and will soon be operating it,” said Rick Holmes project manager, PCAPP. “Each and every employee has a great sense of pride in the work they are doing.”

Keynote speaker D. Scott Welker, executive director, U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, said he was proud of the efforts of depot employees and the support of local, county and state citizens who have supported the mission over the years.

At the conclusion of the formal ceremony, guests were invited to take part in windshield tours of the plant and to speak with representatives of several local organizations at information booths.

Ceremony festivities also included a celebration of the 241^st birthday of the U.S. Army, a flyover from Doss Aviation, the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, the Pueblo County High School JROTC Hornet Battalion and the Arsenal Brass Quintet from the U.S. Army Materiel Command band.