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LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Describe the types of ammunition stowage afloat. Identify the types of stowage spaces afloat to include types of magazines, magazine designations, ammunition stowage requirements, environmental control systems, sprinkler systems and auxiliary equipment, and magazine temperature requirements. Stowing ammunition aboard ship presents problems you won't find in other types of storage facilities. When ships are undervay, they are subjected to random motion. Ammunition is fastened in place firmly and securely when it isn't being handled. Adequate ventilation is a problem. Most ammunition stowage spaces are located below the main deck. Normally, these areas require extensive piping and venting to maintain proper temperature control and to vent hazardous fumes. Access to stowage spaces often requires specialized equipment for moving ammunition quickly and efficiently. Stowage spaces are located close to other working spaces, which presents hazards to others on the ship, especially if there were afire or explosion. AMMUNITION STOWAGE SPACES NAVSEASYSCOM develops and approves the detailed specifications for construction of Navy ships and individual ship's blueprints. Ammunition stowage spaces (magazines) for various types and classes of ships are designated in these specification. Aircraft or aircraft carriers' ammunition stowage magazines are also approved by NAVAIRSYSCOM. Magazines are arranged so they are close to supply, have the best available protection, and the most favorable stowage conditions. Figure 11-3 shows the
Figure 11-3.-Typical CV magazine locations. magazine locations of a typical CV (aircraft carrier). For safety reasons, various types of explosives and ammunition are stowed in separate magazines or lockers. The type of stowage varies with the type of ship, the space available, and the amounts of explosive involved. All magazines are marked by label plates that designate the compartment and the types of ammunition stowed in them. Magazines are marked with warnings that apply to specific special hazardous conditions and operations. Additionally, paint-stenciled labels or painted signs are installed on the outside surfaces of ammunition stowage spaces (except where the outside surfaces are visible from the exterior of the ship). The stenciled markings must be located on the bulkheads, overheads, and decks 12 feet apart. The sign or label (fig. 11-4) is a yellow rectangle, 5 inches high by 9 inches wide. The sign has black slanted lines, 1/8-inch thick and 1 inch long, on 3/4-inch centers along the top and bottom edges, with lines slanting from top right to bottom left. The letters are 1/8-inch thick and 3/4-inch high, with the words AMMUNITION FAR SIDE arranged as shown in figure 11-4. Primary and missile magazines aboard CVs are designed to hold a ship's service allowance and the embarked air wing's service allowance of ammunition. Ships have several different types of magazines. Each magazine is designed for a specific type of ammunition. The magazine types include primary, missile, ready-service, lockers, and chemical. Primary magazines are stowage spaces that are usually located below deck and, if possible, below the waterline. They are adequately equipped with thermal insulation, temperature control, and ventilation. Primary magazines are equipped with adequate sprinkler systems, and they are closed and locked when unattended.
Figure 11-4.-Example of AMMUNITION FAR SIDE sign or label. Because of the nature of guided missiles, requirements for their stowage aboard ship differ from those of conventional ammunition. Air-launched missile magazines in aircraft carriers are usually located below the waterline and within the armor box. Air-launched missile ready-service magazines may be located either above the waterline or within the armor box. Missile magazines contain electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic power-operated handling equipment. A restraining gear prevents movement of an accidentally ignited motor. Magazines are equipped with specialized detection equipment to make sure that a specific missile hazard isn't present. You must take special care of the ventilation system of missile magazines to ensure pressures don't build up to a dangerous level if a missile motor is ignited. Additional fire-fighting equipment is often provided for missile magazines. This equipment may consist of carbon dioxide, foam, water injection, or a sprinkler system, or a combination of these systems. NAVSEASYSCOM specifically certifies the magazine for the stowage of hyperbolic-fueled missiles, such as the AQM-37 target drone and fuel-air explosive (FAE) weapons. FAE weapons and the AQM-37 are compatible in stowage. FAE weapons require less stringent certified facilities; therefore, FAE weapons can be stowed in hyperbolic magazines. However, hyperbolic-fueled items cannot be stowed in magazines certified for FAE only. |
 
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