SPAWAR commemorates MRAP integration program

by Courtesy of SPAWAR Public Affairs

12/13/2012 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A ceremony was held to commemorate the rapid acquisition, integration of electronics and delivery of more than 27,000 MRAP vehicles sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, Dec. 10, 2012, at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic integration facility on JB Charleston - Weapons Station, S.C.

Congressional representatives, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps leadership, industry partners and community leaders were also in attendance.

The ceremony was kicked off by Navy Capt. Mark Glover, SPAWAR commanding officer, welcoming the more than 200 attendees.

"On behalf of former SSC Atlantic commanding officers (Navy) Capt. Bruce Urbon and myself, I would like to first thank all members of SPAWAR and industry partner teams for the incredible achievement to design, prototype, test and integrate electronic systems into the vehicles," said Glover. "Thanks to the help of everyone from the leadership of the Joint Program Office, congressional delegation, community leaders and the support of numerous other DOD agencies who all played significant roles in success of this campaign."

The team at SPAWAR initially integrated five vehicles a day, but when demand for the vehicles rose, the team stepped up production to integrating 50 vehicles a day. The team even reached the lofty goal of integrating 75 MRAPs in one day.

"I am proud to be associated with this historical life-saving campaign," said Christopher Miller, SSC Atlantic executive director. "During the past five years, there have been many congressional and senior defense and military officials visiting SPAWAR; the first thing they want to see is the MRAP vehicle facility and to thank the dedicated workers who have worked around the clock to make it happen."

SSC Atlantic is responsible for the prototyping, testing, integration, installation and quality assurance of all advanced command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems equipment for MRAPs and M-ATVs. The M-ATV serves small-unit combat operations in highly restricted rural, mountainous and urban environments that include mounted patrols, reconnaissance, security, convoy protection and communication.

Following integration by SSC Atlantic, MRAPs and M-ATVs were shipped to Iraq and Afghanistan to aid the warfighters of all services.

The MRAP vehicle program has been a team effort involving all the branches of service, Special Operations Command, vehicle manufacturers, the Defense Contracting Management Agency, industry partners, 841st Transportation Battalion, Military Sealift Command, 628th Air Base Wing, 437th and 315th Airlift Wings and Army Sustainment Logistics Command. Congressional, community support, military committees and numerous other agencies all pulled together for this life saving mission.

A new banner now hangs in the SPAWAR vehicle integration facility which reflects the more than 27,000 MRAP/MATV vehicles integrated.