DU report in Korea and Japan- full text 2008/05/01 940
Raising Our voice together with the Victims for the Abolition of DU weapon – Hirosima in Japan
My presentation was 3. August. This is full text
‘DU report in Korea and Japan’
——————————————————————————
DU Report in Korea and Japan
photographer Si woo LEE
DU Records Study
▶photo1- the depleted uranium munition records page 1
The following table 1 is the same as the photo 1:
(table1) qryGenerallinquiry
sran
Base Name
nsn
MSRC
DODIC
Hazard
Division
Nomenclature
cc
SumOfqty
FV5261
SUWON AB
1305010577913
1CVJ
B117
1.4C
30MM API PGU14A/B OR 14B/B AJ
A
1
FV5261
SUWON AB
1305010835998
1CVD
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B,AJ
A
404536
FV5261
SUWON AB
1305010951062
1CVC
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B 13/B AJ
A
955644
FV5270
KADENA AB
1305010564626
1CVM
B103
1.2E
30MM API-T/HEI PGU14/B 13/B AJ
A
2179
FV5270
KADENA AB
1305010564907
1CVG
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14A/B 13/B HO
N
49980
FV5270
KADENA AB
1305010577913
1CVJ
B117
1.4C
30MM API PGU14A/B OR 14B/B AJ
A
2525
FV5270
KADENA AB
1305010835998
1CVD
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B, AJ
A
184618
FV5270
KADENA AB
1305010951062
1CVC
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B 13/B AJ
A
159466
Diffrence
CAS-B
FV5294
OSAN AB
1305010564626
1CVM
B103
1.2E
30MM API-T/HEI PGU14/B 13/B AJ
2
24696
+24696
206938
FV5294
OSAN AB
1305010564626
1CVM
B103
1.2E
30MM API-T/HEI PGU14/B 13/B AJ
A
206938
FV5294
OSAN AB
1305010577913
1CVJ
B117
1.4C
30MM API PGU14A/B OR 14B/B AJ
A
56
0
56
FV5294
OSAN AB
1305010951062
1CVC
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B 13/B AJ
A
55775
-44849
100624
FV5294
OSAN AB
1305011132462
1CVA
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B 13A/B
N
58650
0
58650
FV5294
OSAN AB
1305011461530
1CVN
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B 13A/B AJ
A
98900
0
98900
FV5295
CHEONGJU AB
1305010577913
1CVJ
B117
1.4C
30MM API PGU14A/B OR 14B/B AJ
A
3
FV5295
CHEONGJU AB
1305010835998
1CVD
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B, AJ
A
158760
FV5295
CHEONGJU AB
1305010951062
1CVC
B103
1.2E
30MM API/HEI PGU14B/B 13/B AJ
A
774906
This List CAS-B Difference
445,015 474,576 +29,561
IN CAS-B
* MISSING NSN 1305-01-083-5998 –>9408
44849+9408-24696=29561
First, let’s take a look at acronyms.
‘sran’ means airbase.
For example, FV5261 is Suwon airbase. ‘NSN’ is National Stock Number.
Maybe ‘MSRC’ is Master Stock Record Card.
‘DODIC’ is Department of Defense Identification Code.
Explosives may be classified into hazard divisions as follows:
-hazard division 1.1-explosives that have a mass explosion hazard;
-hazard division 1.2-explosives that have a projection hazard, but not a mass explosion hazard;
-hazard division 1.3-explosives that have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard;
-hazard division 1.4-explosives that present only a small hazard if ignited or initiated, with the effects largely confined in the package(or container), and no expected projection of fragments of appreciable size or range;
-hazard division 1.5-very insensitive explosive substances that have a mass explosion hazard;
-hazard division 1.6-very insensitive explosive articles that do not have a mass explosion hazard.
-Explosives may be classified into Storage and compatibility groups as follows:
A: Substances which are expected mass detonation as soon as it is ignited:
B: Articles which are expected mass detonation as soon as it is ignited
C: Substances or articles which may be readily ignited and burn violently without necessarily exploding;
D: Substances or articles which may cause mass detonation (with blast and/or fragment hazard) when exposed to fire;
E & F: Articles which may cause mass detonation in a fire;
G: Substances and articles which may cause mass explosion and give off smoke or toxic gases;
H: Articles which in a fire may release hazardous projectiles and emit dense white smoke;
J: Articles which may cause mass explosion
K: Articles which in a fire may release hazardous projectiles and emit toxic gases;
L: Substances and articles which present a high risk and could be activated by exposure to air or water;
N: Articles which contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances and demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental ignition or propagation;
S: Packaged substances or articles which, if accidentally initiated, produce effects that are usually confined in the immediate vicinity.
The article’s hazard division is 1.1.
The article’s compatibility group is D. Its classification code is 1.1D.
This nomenclature expresses characters of ammunition in two parts.
First, ’30MM API-T/HEI’ means cartridge of 30mm Armor Piercing Incendiary-Tracer/High-Explosive Incendiary. Second, ‘PG’ means ammunition judging from Identification Designator (table 2) .
(table2) Identification Designator
AD
Certain adapting items
GF
Gun related items
PD
Leaflet dispenser
AB
Explosive items
GP
Podded guns
PG
Ammunition
BB
Simulated bombs
GU
Miscellaneous guns
PW
Internal dispenser
BD
Bombs and mines
KA
Munitions clustering hardware
RD
Dummy rocket
BL
Bomb racks and shackles items
KM
Kits
RL
Rockets
BR
Retarding device
LA
Aircraft installed launchers
SA
Gun/bomb/rocket sights
BS
Stabilizing device munitions
LK
Ammunition links
SU
Stores suspension and release
CB
Cluster bomb
LM
Ground-based launchers
TM
Miscellaneous tanks
CC
Actuator cartridges equipment
LU
Illuminating units
TT
Test it ms
CD
Clustered munitions,,not end item
M
Army designation for munitions
WD
Warheads
CN
Miscellaneous containers
MA
Miscellaneous armament
WT
Training warheads
DS
Target directing device
MD
Miscellaneous simulated
FM
Fuzes dispensing device
MH
Munitions handling
FS
Fuze safety-arming device
MJ
Munitions countermeasures
FZ
Fuze-related item
MK
Navy designation for bombs
GA
Aircraft gun
ML
Miscellaneous munitions
GB
Guided bombs
PA
External munitions
(source http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/desig.htm)
‘U’ means unit. ’14′ and ’13′ means 14th,13th ammunition serial number A of ’14A’ means model number. ‘B’ means the location of ammunition. For your reference, ‘A’ is a thing installed or equipped to the aircraft, ‘E’ is a ground item which is moveable but not a vehicle (such as a box for munitions). NSN1305-01-0564626 represents depleted uranium munitions which have the National Stock Number(NSN) of 1305-01-0564626. Then it is followed by nomenclature stating further information (such as 30MM API-T/HEI PGU 14/B 13/B, AJ). ‘CC’ is condition code. For example, CC/N means that it is suitable only for emergency combat use.
(table3) CC Classification
0
Assumed Serviceable In Hands of Troops
A Serviceable
Issuable to all customers; new, repaired, reconditioned
B Serviceable
Issuable for its intended purpose; restrictions apply
C Serviceable
Priority Issue; issue to selected customers
D Serviceable
Requires test, alteration, modification, conversion, etc.
E Unserviceable
Requires limited expense/effort to restore to serviceable
F Unserviceable
Economically reparable; needs repair, reconditioning, overhaul
G Unserviceable
Incomplete; requires additional parts, components or BII
H Unserviceable
Condemned; does not meet repair criteria I Not Assigned
J Suspended
In stock, not issuable; pending condition classification or analysis
K Suspended
Returns from customers; pending inspection and classification
L Suspended
Litigation or negotiation pending with contractors or carriers
M Suspended
Suspended on ICP record but have been delivered for processing
N Suspended
Suitable for emergency combat use only
O
Not assigned
P Unserviceable
Uneconomically reparable; contains serviceable components
Q Suspended
Intra-Air Force use only
R Suspended
Reclaimed items awaiting condition determination
S Unserviceable
Scrap; used on transactions that involve shipments to DRMOs
W Unserviceable
Warranted Reparable
http://www.nmtcia.com/Hot%20Topics/CODES%20Reference%20Guide.pdf
‘The List 445,015′ written beneath the table [1] means the sum of quantity of the depleted uranium munitions at Osan airbase in the list. CAS-B (of ‘CAS-B 474,576′) means Combat Ammunition System-Base, therefore 474,576 of ammunition actually exist at the base. The description of ‘Difference + 29,561’ represents that there was difference between the sum of quantity in the list and the existing amount (CAS-B) and it was 29,561. Now, let’s analyze these figures and records.
According to the records, 1,360,181 of munitions were stored at Suwon airbase, 933,669 at Cheong-ju airbase, 445,015 at Osan airbase and 398,768 at Kadena airbase. The total amount is 3,137,633.
(table4 ) Storage, Ammount
Storage Base
Ammount
OSAN AB
445,015(+24696 missing)
CHEONGJU AB
933,669
SUWON AB
1,360,181
KADENA AB
398,768
Total
3,137,633
Next table shows the related figures and information to Inspector’s handwritten part (written underneath the table one). He may have inspected to check whether there was difference between the existing amount (CAS-B) and the amount in the list.
(table5) Difference between list and CAS-B
NSN
LIST
CAS-B
DIFFERENCE
1
1305-01-0564626
231,634
206,938
24,696 miss
2
1305-01-0567913
56
56
0
3
1305-01-0561062
55,775
100,624
44,849 add
4
1305-01-0562462
58,650
58,650
0
5
1305-01-0561530
98,900
98,900
0
NSN: National Stock Number
STORAGE # : Osan AB Ammunition Storage’s Number
CAS-B: Combat Ammunition System-base
CAS-D(Combat Ammunition System-deployed)
(source: kadena air base 18th munitions squadron qry General Inquiry. p1)
’1′ The amount of 24,696 (whose National Serial Number is 1305010564626) was missing from the munitions storage. ’3′ The amount of 44,849 (NSN1305010561062) was added to the munitions storage. Underneath the table [1], the inspector’s handwritten part shows that there was a missing amount of NSN1305010835998 which was 9408.
In addition, the inspector’s handwritten part has given the sum of 29561(44,849 + 9,408 – 24,696 = 29,561)
The problem is how to think about the figure 9408(the missing amount). The munitions whose NSN were 1305-01-083-5998, had been stored only at Kadena, Suwon and Cheongju airbase but not at Osan airbase.
When I looked at the Kadena’s 30 MM Storage Facility Records, this account was just equal to the amount showed in the table [1]. Therefore, Kadena’s administration regarding NSN1305010835998 had been done correctly. After all, Suwon and Cheongju airbases (which had been storing NSN1305010835998) were in question. It is possible that there were problems at these two bases. However the records from these bases were not released, because Osan airbase was in control of these two bases.
Anyway, the munitions which Osan airbase had stored totaled 474,576 (written underneath the table 1). There was difference of 29,561 between the figures in the list and the real storage account(CAS-B) as shown underneath the table 1.
I realized that the administration of the depleted uranium munitions had a great problem. It is important that 24,696 of depleted uranium munitions at Osan airbase was missing. Next point is where the missing depleted uranium munitions were. In search for the missing depleted uranium munitions, I’d like to discuss the ‘LOT history/Inspection report’ of 51st Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight at Osan airbase. The reports were about the missing NSN1305010564626.
LOT history/Inspection report Analysis
▶LOThistory/Inspection report. evidence of serch for missing munition
(photo-Si woo LEE)
For the search, we need to refer back to the acronym used in the list.
A type of the depleted uranium munitions described as NSN1305010564626 includes the following five items(rounds) in total.
They were AJD79D078L001, AJD79C079L002, AJD79D090L001, AJD79D092L001, AJD79E093L001.
First, Let’s figure out the meaning of NSN and the following numbers
NSN 1305-01-0564626
Each complete round or item of a conventional ammunition or an associated explosive component is identified by its own NSN.
The first four numbers of the NSN is the FSC(Federal Supply Classification)Number.
Since 1975 it has been called NSN.
’1305′ means 30mm Ammunition. Another example is ’1345′ which means Landmine.
It is followed by the National Item Identification Number (NIIN), which consists of a two-number code identifying the country of manufacture. Then a seven-number item identification comes.
USA uses 00 or 01, England 99 and Canada, 21.
Next, let’s figure out the lot system
AJD-79-C-079-L-002
/ / / / / /
a b c d e f
(a) Manufacturer’s identification symbol.
(b) Two (2) digit numeric code identifying the year of production.
(c) A single alpha code signifying the month of production.
(d) Lot interfix number.
(e) Lot sequence number.
(f) Ammunition lot suffix (the alpha suffix).
(a) Manufacturer’s identification symbol.
The combination of one, two or three alphabetic characters is used to show the unique identity and location of the arsenal, plant, depot, station, contractor, vendor, etc.. It also indicates which manufacturer has assembled, renovated, modified, and/or loaded this specific item of ammunition or ammunition component. (When the alphabetic characters are used, the capital letters are always used.) The manufacturer’s identification symbol comes at the beginning of the ammunition lot number. Then two digit numbers follow identifying the year of production.
The Manufacturer’s Identification Symbols are assigned to each producer of ammunition, or that of ammunition components and/or explosive materials. Each plant (factory) is given a different symbol in case there is more than one plant producing ammunition items for the Government.
Example:Aerojet – General Corp., Azusa, California symbol “AJA,”
Aerojet – General Corp., Sacramento, California symbol “AJL,”
Aerojet – General Corp., Fullerton, California symbol “AJD,”
Aerojet -General Corp., Solid Rocket Plant, Sacramento, California symbol “AJS.”
Again, a different symbol is assigned to an individual plant when the same manufacturer has more than one plant in the same city.
According to MIL-STD-1168B AJD is Aerojet General Corp. Fullerton, California symbol “AJD,”
(b) Two digit numeric code is identifying the year of production.
An alphabetic code(alpha code), following the two digit numbers, identifies to identify the month of production, assembly or modification. This alpha code is placed between the year of production and the lot interfix number. In this case, the ammunition was made by the Aerojet General Corp in 1979
(c) A single alpha code is representing the month of production. The month of production is described by a single alpha code as follows:
January – A May – E September – J
February – B June – F October – K
March – C July – G November – L
April – D August H December – M
So this ammunition was produced in March 1979.
(d) Lot interfix number.
Each ammunition lot number shall have an interfix number which doesn’t exceed three digits(999). The interfix number will usually start with “001″.
Assignment of lot interfix numbers or blocks of numbers will be made by those in charge with the responsibility of checking when the interfix number will be changed, when and what blocks of interfix numbers will be used, etc. When there is anything unclear as to the second digit interfix number used for the item, the assignment will be coordinated with the master data card repository of the appropriate procuring service prior to authorizing production and registering an interfix number. Product Quality Specialists, as appropriate, will be responsible for assigning interfix numbers for those lots of ammunition components, ammunition items of issue, explosive materiels, etc! ., manufactured or assembled by the various private contractors, government facilities.
Lot interfix numbers become different: When various items are made or assembled by the same manufacturer at the same location, when the same items are made or assembled by the same manufacturer at the same location at different times, when there are confusions between different items because of the same caliber or size. If a contractor is manufacturing or loading several similar items at the same facility, then each item should have distinct interfix numbers. That’s why there are assigned “blocks of interfix numbers to each of the specific items considered as “items of a similar nature”. “Blocks of interfix number” such as “010′s”, “020′s” may be assigned by a responsible person who considers procurement, contractual and production projections. This may be conducted as follows:
A contractor (manufacturer’s identification symbol “AMC”) producing three similar bomb tail fuzes (M800 series, M801 series, and M802 series) should have interfix numbers assigned in accordance with the following:
At the start of production, the M800 series would be assigned to the “block of interfix numbers” from “001″ to “009″, the M801 items, from “010″ to “019″, and the M802 bomb tail fuzes, from “020″ to “029″. The initial production lot number for the M800 would be AMC97H001-001. The “001″ interfix series shall continue until an authorized engineering change order or some other factors which requires a change from the “001″ interfix. The next interfix number for the M800 production would be “002″ and the initial lot produced reflecting the change would be AMC97L002001, then AMC97M002-002 and so on through AMC98J009-001, AMC98K009-002, AMC98L009-003, et! c. The first lot of M801 bomb tail fuzes shall be numbered AMC97H010-001, AMC97J010-002 and so on through AMC97K019-001, AMC97L019-002, AMC97M019-003, etc.
The first lot of the M802 series shall be numbered AMC97K020-001, AMC97K020-002, and so on until AMC98D029-001, AMC98D029-002, AMC98E029-003, etc. The first group which reaches the last of its block of interfix numbers would proceed to the next block of interfix numbers.
Example: The M801 bomb tail fuze production reaches lot number AMC98E019-012. A change in interfix number is now required. This group would then be assigned a block of interfix numbers from “030″ to “039″. As a result, the next lot of M801 fuzes produced will have a lot number AMC98F030-001. However, nose fuzes and tail fuzes with distinct model numbers produced at the same facility may have the same interfix number. Also, primers, detonators, bursters, fuzes, etc., produced at the same facility may be assigned the same interfix number as long as the basic model numbers are completely different in each case. The following is an example of this:
A LAP facility is loading the 81 mm cartridge, M375. The lot currently being produced is numbered AMC97H0ll-006. At this point the same plant starts production on the 81mm cartridge, M374. The M374 cartridge production must have a block of interfix numbers, preferably “020″ through “039″. The first M374 cartridge lot number would be AMC97H020-001, etc. When the M375 cartridge production finished the,”019″ interfix, interfix block from “040″ to “059″ should then be given.
(e) Sequence number
A number ranging from “001″ to “999″ placed at the end.
The sequence number is an important part of the ammunition lot number to identify the lot within the interfix series according to the sequence of production or assembly of the item. The 3 digit lot sequence number identifies in each lot interfix number will give you a lot of information about its production. A sequence number shall be assigned to each production lot, regardless of the final disposition. The lot sequence number shall always begin with “001″ and continue in sequence until production of the item is finished, a change is made to the item, its production reaches “999″, or a change is made in contract. Whenever an alphabetic lot suffix is incorporated into the lot, number, the alpha character becomes an integral part of the lot number. The terms “lot serial number,,” “lot series number,” and related have been replaced for use throughout this standard by the term “lot sequence number.” The lot sequence number will begin with “001″ following a successful first article. For example:
AMC97C001A001 First Article
AMC97C001A002 First Article – second submission
AMC97C001-001 First production lot
(f) Ammunition lot suffix. (The alpha suffix.)
The lot suffix, as defined herein and when required, becomes at integral part of the ammunition lot number and is applied directly after the sequence number as shown in 4.1. Lot suffixes will in all instances consist of one (1) alpha character and will be a capital letter. In identifying lots of ammunition or any quantities thereof which are being reworked, etc., the lot suffix will be assigned in alphabetical sequence starting with the letter “A” and continuing through “Z”.
Next table is random sampling from reports.
(table6) Difference-DU munitions Output
Storage
lot
production year, month
lot
interfix number
Inspection account
OSANAB
AJD79B078L001
1979.2
078
15388
OSANAB
AJD79C079L002
1979.3
079
37632
OSANAB
AJD79D090L001
1979.4
090
18816
OSANAB
AJD79D092L001
1979.4
092
57036
OSANAB
AJD79E093L001
1979.5
093
85848
KADENA AB
AJD80F301L001
1980.6
301
34104
KADENA AB
AJD80K309L001
1980.11
309
139930
Among the depleted uranium munitions, Osan airbase stored those produced as early as February 1979. This lot interfix is 078. Interfix start from ’001′. I realized that it had produced much earlier than 1979.
According to Lot History Report, interval of average one month, interfix had changed. I guess that those depleted uranium munitions had produced in about 1973(78 months (about 6 years) before February 1979). On January 18 1976, USAF(US Air Force) issued the comprehensive environmental assessment regarding GAU-8 munitions. (source: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/du.htm)
A GAU-8 Avenger equipped to the A-10(tank buster aircraft) has used 30mm rounds of depleted uranium munitions since the start of its mass production. In my judgment, if it had been produced at an experimental stage when 30mm rounds of depleted uranium munitions were equipped to A-10, about ten thousands of those had been produced every month since as early as the year of 1970.
But I do not think that this is the case with Kadena air base, because of about during the one year(may 1979~ jun 1980) interfix number changed from 093 to 301. This means that munitions produced over 200 times and it rapidly increased 1 time per 30,000~100,100.
In table1 the sum of NSN1305-01-0564626 stored at OSAN airbase was 231,634.
LOT history/inspection report (table 7) shows that the sum of NSN1305-01-0564626 was 214,620.
(table7)
base
lot
dom
interfix
inspection account
OSAN
AJD79B078L001
1979.2
078
15288
OSAN
AJD79C079L002
1979.3
079
37632
OSAN
AJD79D090L001
1979.4
090
18816
OSAN
AJD79D092L001
1979.4
092
57036
OSAN
AJD79E093L001
1979.5
093
85848
total
214,620
There is a difference of 17,014 in number. Taking into account of the previous difference, the amount of difference in number varies between 17,014~24,696.
(table8)
table1
231634
LOT history/inspection report
214620
real storage
206938
difference scope
17014~24696
Let’s take a close look at the LOT history/Inspection report, in search for the missing munitions of NSN1305-01-0564626. Let’s look at an excerpt of the lot history/inspection report.
PREPARED 01 MAY 02 OSAN AB SYSTEM DESIGNATOR 01 SRAN FV5294 LOT HISTORY/ INSPECTION REPORT
NSN
NOUN
ITEM T.O.
LOT/SERIAL NUMBER
DOM
SHELF ＬIFE
SERVICE LIFE
DATE OF LAST UPDATE
DOCUMENT NUM
1305010564626
30MMAPI-T/HEIPGU14/B13/B AJ
11A13-14-7
AJD79C079L002
7903
999
999
22JUL97
‘SRAN’ FV5294 means Osan airbase, FV5295, Cheongju airbase, FV5261, Suwon airbase and FV5270, Kadena airbase. ‘NOUN’ is Nomenclature. T.O (11A13-14-7) means Technical Order manual about special 30mm ammunition of Air force conventional weapons. DOM is the month and year of production.
999 of SHELF “LIFE or SERVICE LIFE is the final sequence number of the lot interfix. It means that they can be in storage and in use until the number 999 is used. This lot interfix is ’079′. All lot interfix starts from ’001′ and ends at 999. Therefore 079 of SHELF LIFE /SERVICE LIFE means that they have more than a little used them. Next is a part of the LOT history/Inspect report.
DATE
25FEB97
TYPE
RMI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
21168
REMARK
900EA CARTRIDGES WITH HEAVY CORROSION ON ALL AREAS, “MAJOR” “REJECT” IAW-11A13-14-7, PACED IN CC/E AWM FOR A 100% SPI ON NOTED DEFECTS NODN
‘DATE’ means the inspection day. ‘Type’ means the inspection type. ‘RMI’ means Returned Munition Inspection, which referred the type of inspection of the munitions returned by US due to malfunction or other problems. The munitions inspection type is shown in the next table 9
(table9) munition inspection type
PI
Periodic Inspection
SPI
Special Periodic Inspection
RI
Receiving Inspection
SI
Shipping Inspection
RMI
Returned Munition Inspection
PII
Pre-Issue
SMI
Storage Monitoring
The 3rd heading shows the inspector’s name. It had been erased to protect the inspector’s identity. The 4th heading shows the total quantity inspected. The inspector’s remarks are meant as follows:
900EA CARTRIDGES WITH HEAVY CORROSION ON ALL AREAS, “MAJOR” “REJECT” IAW(In According with)-11A13-14-7, PACED IN CC(condition code)/E AWM(Awaiting Maint) FOR A 100% SPI(Special Periodic Inspection) ON NOTED DEFECTS NODN(?)CC/’E'(The Condition Code of E) means the munitions can not be used. The E condition requires costs and efforts for repair and use. The following reports started in Jun 1997. Special inspections rapidly increased. Serious problems
in numbers continuously occurred regarding the management of munitions. Let’s look at the reports of 1997, during a time of crisis. The following table was about the 97′s reports on AJD79C079L002, which was produced in March 1979.
DATE
12JUN97
TYPE
PI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
588
REMARK
32EA RDS INSP’D IAW ITEM T.O. REJECT LIMITS BROKEN, LOT REQUESTED TO BE SHIPPED IN CC”J” FOR LIFE CYCLE TESTING, AT EGLIN AFB, FL. FV2823
DATE
13JUN97
TYPE
SPI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
6468
REMARK
ASSETS SUSPENDED UNTIL 100% INSPECTED FOR MAJOR CORROSION
DATE
13JUN97
TYPE
SPI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
21168
REMARK
ASSETS SUSPENDED UNTIL 100% INSPECTED FOR MAJOR CORROSION
* On the same day(June 13, 1997), two inspections were carried out due to serious problems. The first inspection reported 6488 in quantity while the second reported 21168.
* 97170013 is JCN(
DATE
19JUN97
TYPE
SPI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
21168
REMARK
SPI TO CREATE AWM FOR 100% INSP FOR RUST ON CASE AWM 971700013
Job Control Number)
DATE
22JUL97
TYPE
SPI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
9408
REMARK
AUTHORITY, SER INSPECTOR, REASON, AWAITING 100% INSP TO DETERMINE C/C RESULTS, 1,764 EA, HEAVY CORR IN ALL AREAS, 7,644 PLACED IN CC/A NOVDN
The above reports told me that depleted uranium munitions suffered serious corrosions and fracture by moisture. As a result, a number of munitions were deleted from the list of munitions asset application. This fact contradicted the official statement by the US military government that it had managed them in a safe and secured manner under well practiced rules.
Munitions often have to be moved under the preventative measure called NEW (Net Explosive Weight) to prevent detonation in case of emergency.
Munitions with problems were required for testing at the Eglin airbase or another base. In this way some munitions were possibly used, which attributed to the missing number. Next, I have another question concerning the munitions’ management.
DATE
24FEB97
TYPE
PII
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
9408
REMARK
PII C/W IAW TO 11A13-14-7,-1,-10. LOT IS INCORRECT. ACTUAL LOT NUMBER AJD79C079L002. ASSETS WILL BE TIN’ED TO ACCOMPLISH LOT # CHANGE
PII means pre-issue. C/W may be Command Word(?). Let’s pay attention to the inspector’s remarks, telling ‘LOT is incorrect’. It meant that there was a serious problem in the munitions’ management. The remarks regarding ‘LOT’ highlighted the problem in development and reproduction of munitions. This inspection was conducted in earlier period (Feb1997). It revealed that the lot was incorrect. What do you think about it? Next are the reports from the inspections of AJD79E093L001, which were carried out in May 1979.
DATE
06DEC97
TYPE
PI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
200
REMARK
PI C/W IAW 11A13-14-7,11A-1-10,11A-1-1, 2EA CANS OF 588 PER HAVE INDICATION OF MOISTURE/WITH MINOR CORROSION-MAJOR-ITEMS CC/E
DATE
10NOV98
TYPE
SPI
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
4116
REMARK
SPI ON 100% OF INNER CONTAINERS REVEALED 6EA CONTAINERS WITH MOISTURE DAMAGE, 1EA CONTAINER HAD A PUNCTURE, 4116EA REQUIRE PROCESSING
These reports show the moisture damage had continued.
▶This report describe moisture damage continuous.[photo5 -Si woo LEE]
On December 6 1997, the inspector already reported about corrosion by moisture, but one year later (1998), among inner containers showed 6 containers of them had moisture damage, especially one container had a puncture.
Radioactivity and toxicity of depleted uranium doesn’t exceed that of natural uranium, but over the course of time its toxicity will increase because depleted uranium produces hydrogen fluoride-gas in contact with moisture. Hydrogen fluoride-gas is hazardous. But US military government hadn’t taken any measures concerning this for one year.
Finally, these reports described about missing depleted uranium munitions (AJD79C079L002)
DATE
20SEP90
TYPE
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
18816
REMARK
315EA ITEMS INSP. OUT OF 4EA CONTAINERS. 1EA CONTAINER WAS MISSING A
DATE
20SEP90
TYPE
INSPECTOR’S NAME
QUANTITY
315
REMARK
315EA ITEMS INSP. OUT OF 4EA CONTAINERS. NO VISUAL DEFECTS NOTED. NEXT PI DUE IN 95
The above reports suggest that the depleted uranium munitions were stored outdoors. In addition, one of containers was missing. This fact contradicted the US military government’s official announcement.
In 1997, ‘Hangeorae 21′ (korea weekly magazine) posed a question to USFK(US Forces in Korea) about the safety of depleted uranium munitions storage. USFK spokesman replied that they were in safe storage.
The second inspection, conducted on the same day(20 SEP 90), did not refer to the missing depleted uranium munition container. Ever since, for more than ten years, there had been no signs or trace of the missing depleted uranium munition container in regard to the period inspection reports.
As a result, Osan airbase had left one depleted uranium munition container unaccounted for more than ten years.
Today people come to know that the missing depleted uranium munitions amount to 24,696.
There is no management but mismanagement.
There is no “depleted” in terms of toxicity of uranium.
There is no explosive without detonation
There is no arms which are not dangerous…………