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ANCA makes last delivery to ANCDF

September 12, 2011

By Michael B. Abrams

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. (September 8, 2011) -- Anniston Chemical Activity (ANCA) employees achieved their most significant milestone today. They delivered the last chemical agent-filled artillery shells in ANCA storage igloos to the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility (ANCDF).

Lt.Col. Willie J. Flucker, Anniston Chemical Activity commander, said, "For the first time in 48 years, neither Anniston Chemical Activity nor Anniston Army Depot employees are storing nerve agent or mustard agent munitions. That's huge news."

"As we draw closer to the safe destruction of the last chemical munitions on Anniston Army Depot, it is appropriate to reflect," continued the commander, "upon the many milestones and accomplishments achieved not only by our ANCA employees but also our teammates on and off Anniston Army Depot."

Working relationships were forged between the chemical munitions handlers and other Depot employees as well as with the first responders throughout the surrounding communities. Mock disaster drills tested the procedures that were developed and the people who were trained in case there was an accident or an incident involving the chemical munitions.

"Because we all worked hard together, and we all trained well together, ANCA employees and our partners on and off the Depot can take great pride in a most significant accomplishment. We have safely completed the storage phase of our dual chemical munitions mission," said Flucker.

"Now the Anniston Team is close to completing our next key mission as well. That is the safe destruction of our last chemical munition in the ANCDF."

Chemical munitions have been stored at Anniston Army Depot since 1963. Anniston Chemical Activity commanders and employees assumed the responsibility of safely storing the munitions in 1995. Flucker is the ninth and final ANCA commander.

"When I took command 14 months ago," recalled Flucker, "we still had 133,307 mustard-filled artillery shells, mortars, and bulk ton containers. Now, through the hard work and perseverance of our ANCA Team, our igloos are empty and we can begin to concentrate on what's next."

ANCA's next mission is to conduct cleanup and closure activities in preparation for the eventual inactivation of the organization. ANCA employees are now surveying and testing the storage igloos that were used since 1963 to safely store the munitions. The igloos will be cleaned and tested for any measurable, residual chemical agent before they are returned to the Depot for possible reuse. Closure activities are expected to take 18-24 months. During closure, ANCA will continue to provide protective clothing to the Depot and the ANCDF. ANCA employees will also be preparing their munitions handling equipment for turn in and possible reissue to the remaining two chemical munitions storage sites in Colorado and Kentucky.