U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell visited the Duncannon Training Center Aug. 18 for Blue Grass plant and Blue Grass Army Depot briefings and to observe the automated rocket processing equipment in action.

“It’s been a long march. Right after I was sworn-in in 1985 this [chemical weapons destruction in Kentucky] was one of the first things that dropped in my lap,” McConnell said. “The good news is we are almost to the end of the history of chemical weapons.”

The senator first attended a Richmond Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where he spoke about current affairs and the chemical weapons destruction project, then progressed to the training center to meet with program, military, civilian and community leaders. He asked questions about employment, operations and project schedule, and was interested in future plans for the Blue Grass Army Depot. Training center staff then provided an operational view of the Rocket Warhead Containerization System equipment set up in the building for training purposes.

“We were pleased to demonstrate our capability to Senator McConnell and give him information to think about for the future,” said Michael Abaie, program executive officer, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives. “We have a great team of partners on the ground here to perform current operations and look forward with.”

McConnell expressed his willingness to be involved in the planning for what might come after the chemical weapon destruction is complete.