Courtesy Photo | Mark Olson, Defense Contract Management Agency Chicago deputy, fires an MK-19...... read more read more
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MILWAUKEE - “There is nothing like being at the firing range. The sounds, smells and boom in your chest are hard to beat,” said Kelly Otts, Defense Contract Management Agency Milwaukee quality assurance representative.
When Army Col. D. D. Mayfield, DCMA Chicago commander, asked staff members to accompany him on a recent contractor site visit of the world’s largest volume producer of 40 mm grenade ammunition and fuzing, they had no idea what they were getting into. The results began with an appreciation for both in-plant agency representatives and contractor employees, and ended with a bang.
The visit’s purpose was to engage on-site quality assurance specialists and contractor personnel to discuss the complexities associated with ammunition production.
“It is always refreshing and educational to experience what our employees in the field are doing to support the warfighter and this (contract management office),” said Dave Chambo, Chicago’s performance improvement officer.
The Wisconsin-area company is currently the prime contractor for the Department of Defense’s 40 mm family of grenade ammunition. So after touring the facility and witnessing a successful lot acceptance test, team members were excited when they were able to fire some rounds down range from the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher.
Following the live-fire, team members observed the necessity of a unique skill set and professional delicacy employees of the contractor must execute and continually refine to maintain standards. Some of the production processes included various precision fuzes, firing devices, impact switches and initiators for DOD, other prime contractors and international allies.
“It is interesting to see how intricate and detailed the assemblers are in building these tiny, complex components. But it is amazing when you realize how successful they are in first pass yield,” said Mayfield, who believes the agency’s in-factory “independent eyes and ears” play a key role in success.
Brandon Buchner and Otts serve as the resident quality assurance representatives from DCMA Milwaukee, a tertiary command of Chicago. They oversee production and perform process reviews ensuring the warfighter receives first-class ammunition in a timely manner.
“(Otts) superior knowledge and genuine cheerfulness in explaining all aspects of her job with munitions quality assurance was a great learning experience for all that attended,” said Chambo.
After the successful visit, Otts put the day’s events in perspective, “It is surprising how many small parts it takes to produce 40 mm fuzes and cartridges. The greatest reward for working for DCMA is having a direct contribution to the warfighters.”
| Date Taken: | 07.28.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2015 13:22 |
| Story ID: | 171434 |
| Location: | MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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