SCRANTON, Pa. — The Under Secretary of the Army, Honorable Michael Obadal, visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on March 19.
SCAAP is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility, and is one of 17 arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants that are subordinate installations of the Joint Munitions Command.
JMC provides the conventional ammunition life?cycle functions of logistics sustainment, readiness and acquisition support for all U.S. military services, other government agencies, and allied nations, as directed. JMC is also the logistics integrator for life-cycle management of ammunition providing a global presence of technical support to frontline units.
SCAAP was established in 1953, and U.S. Hoffman Machinery was the contractor until 1963 when Chamberlain Manufacturing Corporation took over. General Dynamics-Ordnance and Tactical Systems assumed the operation of SCAAP in 2006 and is the current contractor.
SCAAP manufactures large-caliber metal projectiles to ensure warfighters have the ammunition they need to carry out missions around the globe. SCAAP has played a vital role in producing 155 mm artillery rounds, enabling allied nations to strengthen both their defensive and offensive capabilities.
SCAAP is in the middle of one of the most significant modernization efforts in its history, driven by the need to increase U.S. production of 155 mm artillery shells. Demand for these shells has surged, and the Army has responded by investing hundreds of millions to overhaul equipment, expand capacity, and update aging infrastructure. Much of the plant’s machinery had been in service for many decades, well beyond its intended lifespan.
Obadal was briefed on SCAAP’s production and modernization operations and saw the new 155 mm production lines while being briefed on the importance of SCAAP’s redundant production capabilities. The tour also included the legacy 155 mm rough turn and finish turn production lines, where Obadal witnessed numerous production processes from billet forge to heat treat.
“We welcome connecting face?to?face with senior leadership and providing them with a visual understanding of SCAAP’s production capability,” said Rich Hansen, SCAAP’s commander’s representative. “Their firsthand perspective drives home the importance of the work we carry out in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in support of those who defend our nation.”
While at SCAAP, Obadal underscored the need to maintain optimal production levels. He emphasized that future requirements must be factored into future planning.
“We value the opportunity to speak directly with senior leadership during their visits,” said Jason Shradnick, SCAAP’s deputy commander’s representative. “Hearing their concerns allows us to align our efforts more precisely and effectively to accomplish the Army’s production goals.”
By Matthew Wheaton, Joint Munitions Command, Public and Congressional Affairs
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