A stack of 105mm projectiles stored at the Pueblo Chemical Depot.

As the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant 105mm munitions destruction campaign continues at a rapid pace, toxic material handlers from the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot are keeping up with demand.

“Moving 105mm rounds is the top priority of our toxic material handlers,” said David Griego, chemical operations officer, PCD. “When PCAPP requests munitions, we know we’re in for a busy, long day.”

Twice a week, PCD toxic material handlers retrieve reconfigured 105mm rounds from PCD storage igloos and load the rounds onto Modified Ammunition Vehicles. PCAPP munitions handlers then deliver the rounds to the Munitions Service Magazines at PCAPP, where they will be stored for future processing.

Since the 105mm projectile destruction campaign began at PCAPP on Dec. 11, 2020, the site has averaged 650 munitions destroyed each day, or approximately 4,500 per week. To keep up with that demand, PCAPP typically requests greater than that amount from PCD.

“PCAPP is our customer, and they typically request anywhere between 12 and 20 MAV loads in a day,” Griego said. “Each MAV holds 144 rounds, and 20 MAVs hold 2,880 total rounds. Recently, they’ve been requesting 20 MAVs twice per week.”

On March 9 and 11 daily destruction figures spiked higher than 1,000. Despite those accelerated rates, PCD toxic material handlers continue to move rounds at a fast pace.

“PCAPP gives us a four-hour notice on how many rounds they’re requesting, and we make sure they receive what’s requested,” said Griego. “Our toxic material handlers are proficient in moving rounds, and they are quick in what they do.”