Watervliet Arsenal Newsletter: Salvo 31 jan. 2012

Vol. 12, No. 1 U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal, Watervliet, NY Jan. 31, 2012

SALVO“Service to the Line, On the Line, On Time”

FBI SWAT Teamconverges on the Arsenal...

for training

Commander’s CornerPage 2

FBI TrainingPage 3

$18M ContractPage 4

HistoryPage 5

Photo by John B. Snyder

Page 2 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012

The Arsenal Salvo is an authorized monthly publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Salvo are not necessarily the official views of, or an endorse-ment by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the Watervliet Arsenal. News may be submitted for publication by sending articles to Public Affairs Officer, 1 Buffington Street, Bldg. 10, Watervliet, NY 12189, or stop by office #102, Bldg 10, Watervliet Arsenal. The editor may also be reached at (518) 266-5055 or by e-mail: [email protected]. The editor reserves the right to edit all information submitted for publication.

Commander, Col. Mark F. MigaleddiPublic Affairs Officer, John B. SnyderEditor, John B. SnyderPhotographer: John B. Snyder

Commander’s Corner

Mark F. MigaleddiCommanding

Manufacturer 6

The Arsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi takes a moment after giving his remarks to hundreds of legionnaires to thank the New York American Legion Department Adjutant Richard Pedro for his as-sistance in allowing Migaleddi to speak during the Legion’s Town Hall meeting on Jan. 29, 2012.


As we enter each new year, diversity observances such as Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Black His-tory Month, and Women’s History Month mark our calendars as reminders of what has made our Nation and our Army great. The underlining tone of these observances, and what sets aside our Nation from any other country, is our fundamental values of “treating everyone with dignity and respect.” These values, which have become our strengths, have not come without great debate and sometimes great conflict within our com-munities and our states. But as many of you know, the Arsenal has been out in front of our Nation and our Army in regards to acceptance of those who come from diverse back-grounds. Since our founding days in 1813, women, as well as children, were a significant part of our workforce. It would not be until the 1970s, howev-er, when our Army integrated women into the force. Since the 1800s, African-Americans were also part of our workforce even though they would not be integrated into the Army until July 26, 1948. But as we have recently seen in other countries, these fundamental beliefs are perishable if we do not exercise them every day. Although the Arsenal has historically shown great tolerance and acceptance in having a diverse workforce, I don’t take it for granted that will always be the case. Treating people with dignity and respect tran-scends annual observances or a mark on the calendar, and it should mean more to us than just identifying

observances with a certain ethnicity or culture. After all, these events are much greater than any one indi-vidual, race, religion, or sex. So, please join me this year by not just honoring the spirit and the intent that each diversity event of-fers, but by also living and demonstrating each day our great acceptance of others regardless of his or her background. And by the way, we have a great Diversity Day event planned for February 16th. So, mark your calendars and join us in honoring the men and women who have made our Arsenal great.



Ten agents from the FBI's Albany SWAT team responded to a simulated attack in January by an active-shooter who was attempting to perform a terrorist act. This simulated attack was part of a monthly exercise conducted by the New York-area agents and was the first time the FBI had conducted this type of training at the Watervliet Arsenal. "Because we have numerous types of situations that we call mission sets, we must conduct an exer-cise at least four times a month in order to remain proficient," said Mark Shelhamer, lead agent. "For today's exercise, we rehearsed the basics of clearing hallways and rooms, which allowed us to train on our basic tactics, techniques, and procedures that we can apply to multiple crisis situations." Shelhamer said he selected the Arsenal's site for this training due to an earlier active-shooter exercise the Arsenal security team had conducted last Au-gust. "I was an evaluator during the Arsenal's exercise and thought that the Arsenal would provide a great opportunity for training due to its diverse infrastruc-ture," Shelhamer said.

But for whatever reason why the Arsenal was selected, the Arsenal commander said he was very pleased to host the FBI. "This is a great opportunity for us to develop a better relationship with an organization that we may someday need to call upon," said Col. Mark F. Migaleddi, the Arsenal commander. "It is important that we learn from the FBI, who by the way are the experts in this area, so that we may improve our tac-tics, techniques, and procedures to how we respond to a crisis situation." The Arsenal was more than a host, it also partici-pated in the training. Arsenal Emergency Services Chief Joe Claus said that he had eight of his security officers join the training. "It is one thing to observe the FBI, but something magical happens when you participate with the FBI in their training," Claus said. "The exercise was truly the varsity level of crisis response training and we received the training at no cost. It truly was a win-win situation." Claus said the key take away is a continuing commitment from the Arsenal to improve communi-cations and response times with supporting agencies from outside the Arsenal fence line.

FBI converges on the Arsenal...for training

FBI SWAT team members enter a room and break out into right and left formations. At all times, they had 360-degree situational awareness. Throughout the day, the FBI integrated several Arsenal law enforcement personnel into their training scenarios.

By John B. Snyder


By John B. Snyder

Arsenal secures $18M cannon contract

The Arsenal announced this month that it received an $18 million contract to manufacture more than 60 M256, 120mm-smoothbore cannons for the Egyptian army as part of the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Military Sales program. “This multimillion dollar order will add to our current workload more than 35,000 hours of production time,” said Ray Gaston, direc-tor of production planning and control. Because of the long lead time required to procure the forgings for the tubes and the time required to put in place new tooling and fixtures, Gas-ton said he expects to start the production of the 120mm can-nons in early 2013. According to Jim Vautrin, the Arsenal’s coproduction program manager, what the coproduction mission with the Egyptian military has meant for the Arsenal since the late 1980s is more than $300 mil-lion of consistent, reliable business. Under the coproduction program, the Arsenal shares the production requirement for tank cannons for each produc-tion phase, Vautrin said. In essence, if Egypt produces 60 cannons for a production phase or order, then the Arsenal will also produce 60 cannons. According to a Department of Defense news re-lease, these types of sales contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force

for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. These sales will contribute to Egypt’s goal to up-date its military capability while further enhancing interoperability between Egypt, the U.S., and other al-lies. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. Since August, the Arsenal has secured six multimil-lion-dollar contracts totaling more than $64 million of

new work. In August, the Arsenal re-ceived an Army contract for $9.5 million for a new light-weight 60mm mortar system. The Arsenal closed out the fiscal year in September with a $12.5 million contract to man-ufacture howitzer tubes and subassemblies for the Army’s lightweight 155mm howitzer, the M777. In October, the Arsenal was awarded a $22 million contract for a breech upgrade kit for the 105mm howitzer system. And last month, the Arsenal received a $4.1 million contract for M137 105mm cannons and M20 breech blocks for the Army’s TACOM Life Cycle Manage-ment Command’s sustainment program. The Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned and -operated manufacturing facility and is the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States having begun operations dur-ing the War of 1812. Today’s Arsenal is relied upon by U.S. and foreign mili-

taries to produce the most advanced, high tech, high powered weaponry for cannon, howitzer, and mortar systems. This National Historic Registered Landmark has an annual economic benefit to the local commu-nity in excess of $100 million.

Mat Bates, an Arsenal machine tool operator who has been working at the Arsenal for about 18 months, works on a 120mm smoothbore barrel in January 2012 for a DoD cus-tomer. The machine Bates is using is a Heller mill.



By Mark KoziolArsenal Museum

When guiding a group through a tour of the Arsenal Museum, I sometimes hear from the visitors “what is that thing?” Nestled amongst the large 20th century guns on display there is a small, yet powerful two-foot long bronze cannon. For decades, the Lyle Gun was used by the U.S. Life Saving Service to rescue hundreds of stranded sailors when their vessels ran aground. A time line of the evolution of the Life Saving Service follows: •1848...The Massachusetts Humane Society received Congressional money to erect Lifesaving Stations along the Massachusetts coastline. Stations were manned by local volunteers using large rescue boats rowed out to sea to the stranded vessel. After years of service, the volunteer group proved inefficient. •1854...Money appropriated by Congress to have the Lifesaving Stations manned with a paid staff consisting of a full-time keeper and two superintendents per lifesaving station. •1871...Better equipment was purchased and each station became manned with six paid rescuers. •1874 - 1875...Life Saving Stations were created up and down the Atlantic coastline from Maine to Texas, as well as the five Great Lakes. •In 1877...Superintendent Summer Kimball of the U.S. Life Saving Service asked the Army Board of Ordnance to develop a better rescue device. Army Capt. David A. Lyle was assigned the task. Experiments led to development of a

unique styled cannon. •By 1878...The Lifesaving Stations were organized for-mally into a department of the U. S. Treasury Department called the Life Saving Service. •By 1879...The U. S. government adopted the use of the Lyle Gun. The gun’s Statistics:

-Bronze Gun: 2 feet long with a 2.5 inch bore -Firing range: up to 700 feet using a black powder charge -Average Weight: 180 pounds : gun, 112 pounds; carriage, 70 pounds -Projectile: 15 and 20 pounds -Average cost of gun: $88.40 or $1985.00 in 2010 dollars

To fire the Lyle Gun one would insert a bag of black powder into the cannon followed by the iron bolt projec-tile. The eye loop on one end allowed for the tying of a long line of waterproof linen line. Once fired, the projectile and line would target the ship’s rigging so the sailors could haul in progressively stronger lines. Once secured, the line provided for a breeches buoy to be used to rescue the passengers. Remember, often times this was done during intense storms. The Lyle Gun saw action from the 1870s until the 1950s. According to records, the gun was manufactured by 30 different companies. Did the Watervliet Arsenal manu-facture the cannons? As of now, we do not have a defini-tive answer. At the Arsenal Museum, the Lyle Gun label tells the visitors that the guns were relined at the Arsenal.

A gun that saved lives

In this historic U.S. Coast Guard photo, a ship’s crew is being extracted after a beaching in rough seas. The line the sailor is traveling on was made possible by a Lyle Gun. In the inset photo, the Antique Cannon Superstore shows a Lyle Gun with a Watervliet Arsenal stamping.


Photos by John B. Snyder

Cdr tells the Arsenal story to hundreds of New York State American Legion leaders Arsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi had the rare opportunity to address the New York State American Legion’s leadership at their Mid-Winter Conference on Jan. 29, 2012. The commander spoke of the Arsenal’s history and purpose to more than 250 of the Legion’s members in hopes that they will in turn tell the Arsenal story. Nevertheless, the commander also challenged the Legion to join with the Arsenal in communities to better educate and motivate local citizens to provide continued support to our warfighters, to our Veterans, and to the Watervliet Arsenal.

Arsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi and NYS American Legion Department Commander W. Michael Bowen meet prior to the start of the Legion’s Town Hall.


By John B. Snyder

Who said vaudeville is dead?

Photo by John B. SnyderArsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi starts off the Value Stream Analysis for Business Development by explaining his intent for the analysis to his core VSA team.

The arsenal chief of staff stopped in my office one Monday in January to tell me that over the course of the next two weeks I would be involved in more than 40 hours of Value Stream Analysis. For those of you who know me, you know that I worked every angle with Lauren Smith to get out of this requirement as I saw that this effort did not directly effect my public affairs opera-tions. Sales was never my strong point as evidenced by Smith not buying any one of my excuses of why I should not attend. During my first two-hour session, which was led by our Deputy Commander Ed McCarthy, I learned that over the course of the next two weeks our team would develop a strategy to expand our workload by more than 70 percent. When I heard that, my heart sank because I realized that if it was that easy to develop a strategy in two weeks then it would have been done before. So, I saw this as an enduring requirement. In essence, this team would continue to assemble long after these initial two weeks. After the second session, I’m sure the old adage of “Be careful what you asked for,” probably sunk in with the deputy commander as I leveraged by “two-cents” worth of input into about $1.02. Remember, attending these sessions was not my idea. I challenged everything from the scope for this activity to the targeted end state. Nevertheless, by the fourth session the light in my head went from about 4 watts to 13 watts. Still dim, but getting a little brighter. What I was starting to realize is that although my first thoughts were that participating in this VSA did not di-rectly effect my current public affairs operation ─ and it doesn’t ─ I started to see what the possibilities might be if in fact we did achieved a 70 percent increase in work-load based upon our work. A greater workload means that we will have signifi-cantly more orders and new product lines and therefore, our workforce must grow to handle the additional work. All of this means more story opportunities for me to tell. More stories for me to tell means that my workload will increase. And, as Installation Manager Joe Turcotte told me, it may mean more bodies in the public affairs of-fice to handle the additional workload. Yes, a potential dynasty.

During the course of the next seven days, I was wit-ness to some of the best song and dance routines since the vaudeville days of the 1920s. Jake Peart, the Arsenal’s beloved chief of produc-tion control and program management, took much of the heat and focus of this VSA because it is his team that currently has established relationships with our DoD customers. So, if the Arsenal increases the amount of orders coming in, then Jake’s team will have to become more efficient to handle this surge in requests for quotes. There is a reason why Jake always keeps his shoes shined because all eyes were on him as he tapped danced around the deputy commander’s grilling. At times, Jake’s performance brought back memories of vaudeville performers such as The Three Stooges and Jack Benny. And, the only things lighter than Jake be-ing on his toes were Jake’s words that flowed as honey from his lips. By the way, I bought two used cars from Jake before the VSA ended. But Jake kept his composure and by the third day of analyzing Jake’s operations, the VSA team found effi-ciencies that Jake could wring out of his team of six. The only words that Jake could muster after his bruising week-long performance were, “The VSA was extremely challenging but we had very positive results.” Not much from Jake, but given his performance that would rival anything on Broadway it was understand-able that he was simply tapped out. Although I’m still warming up to this VSA process, suffice it to say that I took this for the team as an oppor-tunity cost, an investment if you will, to help ensure the long-term viability of the Arsenal, as well as to set the conditions for a public affairs dynasty.


WINTER STORM

The extreme cold and heavy snowfall that accompany winter storms can be debilitating and danger-ous. Winter storms can affect everyone, even those who usually experience mild winters. Heavy snowfall can be blinding for drivers and dangerous for those it traps indoors. Winter storms may also include high winds, sleet, freezing rain, frozen roads, power outages and dangerously cold tempera-tures.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

• Be aware of the risk for severe winter weather in your area.• Stay informed and know winter storm terminology:

○ Freezing rain—Rain that freezes when it hits the ground. Ice may coat roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

○ Sleet—Rain that freezes into ice pellets before it reaches the ground. Sleet can cause mois-ture on roads and walkways to freeze.

○ Winter storm watch—Weather conditions are favorable for development of a winter storm. Stay tuned to radio or TV for more information and instructions.

○ Winter storm warning—A winter storm is occurring or will occur soon.○ Blizzard warning—Considerable amounts of snow with sustained winds or frequent gusts up

to 35 mph are expected to prevail for at least three hours. Visibility is reduced to less than a quarter mile.

○ Frost/freeze warning—Below-freezing temperatures are expected.• Make sure your home is properly insulated.• Caulk and weather strip doors and windows to keep out cold air.• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.• Consider what to use for emergency heat in case the electricity goes out:

○ Fireplace with ample supply of wood○ Small, well-vented camp stove with fuel○ Portable space or kerosene heater (check with your fire department first)

• Understand the heating system in your home. Be aware that the most destructive home fires hap-pen during winter weather due to improper use of heating devices.• To prevent water damage from burst pipes, keep your home’s temperature above freezing, even if you are away.• Keep your car’s gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing and for emergency use.• Make sure you have an adequate amount of winter clothing and blankets for your family.• Get an emergency supply kit that includes rock salt, sand, snow shovels and other snow-removal equipment, adequate winter clothing and batteries for radio and flashlights.


One of folk singer Bob Dylan’s greatest hits, The Times They Are a-Changin, will soon ring true at the Watervliet Arsenal. Ben-jamin Dedjoe, the Arsenal’s elec-trical engineer, is working hard to bring in a new sign that will greet folks as they drive in the gate. This sign is a smaller version of what is to come.

Signs, signs, everywhere there is a sign...

Ray Capers’ service in Kandahar, Afghanistan, finally came to an end in January as he completed his combat zone tour. Ray’s tour in Afghanistan began on Aug. 5, 2011, where he served as the Executive Assistant to the Battalion Commander of the 4-401st Army Field Support Brigade. Ray is one of the Ar-senal’s computer assistants.

He’s back...

Ray Capers receiving his Global War on Terror Award in January 2012 from Lt. Col. Garry Bush, commander of the 4-401st AFSB. Photo provided by Ray Capers.

Photos by John B. Snyder


To gain an understanding of the history of African American women is to broaden our un-derstanding of a people and the American nation. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History dedicates the 2012 Annual Black History Theme to exploring Afri-can American women’s roles in and contributions to the making of America. “In thinking about this year’s theme of Black Women in American Culture and History, I began my research with the Harlem Renaissance,” said Mr. Peter Hemmer, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute Illustrator. “It was astounding reading about all of the great art, music, writing and poetry that was created by African American women from that period of time. After narrowing down those topics to only music and the birth of jazz, I stumbled across the William P. Got-tlieb Jazz Photo Collection at the library of Congress. His portrait of Billie Holiday became my inspiration for the artwork,” said Hemmer.


CPAC Corner By Tina Pond

AAFES PXNow has...

Arsenal-Branded Shirts

Civilian Recruitment Process Is ChangingDid you know that USA Staffing will be replacing RESUMIX at the Watervliet Arsenal on 31 March 2012?

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has made the decision to discontinue RESUMIX and utilize a single hiring process and tool used by all components of DoD. Over the next year, Army Civilian Personnel Advisory Centers will continue to transi-tion from using RESUMIX to USA Staffing. During this transition period, each job an-nouncement will have instructions to guide job seekers through the appropriate appli-cation process.

USA Staffing is currently being used by other Federal agencies. You may already have a resume in the USA Staffing database! Although RESUMIX and USA Staffing are auto-mated recruitment tools, there are some major differences such as...

USA Staffing is scheduled for deployment to Watervliet CPAC’s servicing organiza-tions on 31 March 2012. The Watervliet CPAC will hold several informational classes in mid/late March 2012 for the workforce. These classes will guide you through the pro-cess of creating your new resume as well as familiarize you with the USA Staffing tool.

Please look for upcoming CPAC Employee Bulletins - More to come on USA Staffing!

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”


You are cordially invited to the Watervliet Arsenal’s

222nnnddd AAAnnnnnnuuuaaalll DDDiiivvveeerrrsssiiitttyyy DDDaaayyy

Thursday, February 16, 2012 1130-1300 Hrs

WVA Keefe Hall – Bldg. 21 Post Cafeteria

Great Food! Music! Celebration!

Luncheon Includes:

Antipasto Style Salad Garlic Bread Italian Wedding Soup Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

Spumoni Dessert Iced Cranberry Spritzer

(Take-Out Allowed)

Tickets: $8.00 Get your tickets before Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012.

For tickets please contact: Patti Sears, Bldg. 10, Ext. 4170 Adam Ford, Bldg. 20, Ext. 5065 Julie Skolnick, Bldg. 25, Ext. 4415 Faith Cuilla, Bldg. 24, Ext. 5386 Michele Teal, Bldg. 40-1, Ext. 5714 Barbara Ryan, Bldg. 40-2, Ext. 5802 Christina Livolsi, Bldg. 40-2, Ext. 4700 Maureen Keefe, Bldg. 115, Ext. 5296

-Martin Luther King Award will be presented at the morning WVA Town Hall –

~Let’s Celebrate Diversity!!~

Sponsored by the WVA Equal Employment Opportunity Office Special Emphasis Programs

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Watervliet Arsenal Newsletter: Salvo 31 jan. 2012