CBP Donates Seized World War I Artillery to Military Museum

Charleston, S.C. - A rather unusual seizure by U.S. Customs and Border Protection enabled 13 pieces of World War I German military items to find a new home. These items, with an appraised value of $2,000, consisted of inert artillery casings, projectiles and fuses as well as an inert artillery collar (77mm and 105mm). They were seized in January on behalf of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from a shipment originating in the United Kingdom. Although the importer indicated that these items were intended to be used as curios and relics, they were found to be in violation of ATF regulations. 

Once a determination was made that the articles were inert, or safe to seize and store, CBP took possession. Shortly after, the Director/Curator of the U.S. Army Artillery Museum contacted CBP requesting transferal of the seized items to the museum located in Fort Sill, Okla.

The U.S. Army Artillery Museum tells the story of artillery from 1775 to the present with more than 70 guns and artillery pieces and numerous other artifacts from headgear and ammo to small arms and uniforms. Since the museum already housed several models of German World War I artillery pieces that used the same calibers of ammunition, they felt that these additional items would be an asset to the collection.

CBP agreed that the items would be of greater value in the museum, therefore, the transfer was approved. As a result, the artillery pieces will be formally catalogued in the museum collection of the U.S. Army and placed on public exhibition.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Wisconsin National Guard supports Rhythm and Booms

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Wisconsin National Guard had a blast helping tens of thousands of people celebrate Independence Day weekend during the 19th annual Rhythm and Booms celebration at Madison's Warner Park July 2.

Four M119A2 towed 105-mm howitzers were on hand for hourly reports, as well as to play a role in the fireworks finale, courtesy of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, headquartered in Wisconsin Rapids with subordinate units in Marshfield and Stevens Point. This is the first year the Wisconsin National Guard has not used ceremonial, or "salute," 105-mm howitzers for the event.

This was the first Rhythm and Booms event for Spc. Christopher Kau of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery in Stevens Point.

"The powder canisters are a little different than the [high explosive] rounds - a lot more smoke," he said, referring to the standard howitzer round fired in training and combat missions. Inert dummy rounds were on display for the public to see between hourly cannon reports.

1st Sgt. James Ward, a National Guard field artillery subject matter expert taking part in his sixth Rhythm and Booms, said he keeps coming back because he wants to see the event continue.

"We get different Soldiers to work this every year," he explained. "Keeping some continuity is important."

Ward also "conducts" the firing line during the closing of Peter Illytch Tchaikowski's "1812 Overture," played as the grand finale to what is billed as the largest fireworks show in the Midwest. Playing music as a student provided the ability to read a musical score, which is how he directs the cannons to fire in time with the composition.

But musical performances and military missions both require rehearsals, which Ward and his crew took seriously hours before the fireworks began. As the overture swelled through small speakers, Ward cued each cannon.

"Oh, you've got to be a little bit faster," he chided one cannon crew. "There are five shots in this passage - you're the first and the fifth."

The Wisconsin Army National Guard's UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter proved as popular among visitors as the cannons. Crowds thronged the aircraft shortly after it landed and powered down at Warner Park. The helicopter's crew was on hand for much of the afternoon to answer questions as children took a closer look inside the passenger section of the aircraft.

The U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team returned for a second year to Rhythm and Booms, performing day and night skydives from 12,500 feet overhead. Following the daylight jump, Golden Knights members coached children how to properly roll the parachutes. The Black Hawk ferried the Golden Knights back to the airport between jumps.

The Wisconsin Air National Guard's F-16 Falcons were not on hand nearly as long as the cannons or the helicopter, but their presence was certainly memorable enough. Four Falcons roared overhead in the twilight as the National Anthem reached the words "o'er the land of the free," prompting a thunderous ovation from the multitudes attending the event.

Ward admitted to one other reason he keeps coming back to support Rhythm and Booms.

"You can't get a better view of the fireworks than right there where the howitzers are," he said.

Soldiers have a blast shooting cannons again after six-year hiatus

By Spc. Alexandria Hughes

32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

The thunderous blast of a 105-mm light towed howitzer and the smell of cannon smoke soon mingled with shouts and cheers from Soldiers in the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery.

The last time the artillery component of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team fired their M119-A2 howitzers was in the spring of 2005. A series of deployments silenced the guns until June 18, as the 120th took part in its first brigade-wide annual training in years.

"Some of the Soldiers have gone on two deployments since the 120th has fired the howitzers," said Pfc. Jonathan T. Strande, a cannoneer for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery. "Six years is too long. Everybody joined artillery for a reason, and we were all itching to get back on the guns."

Sgt. Alan W. Sazama, a howitzer gunner for Battery A, is part of the team given the opportunity to fire the first shot after winning a "top gun" competition - a contest between howitzer crews to see who could be ready to fire in the shortest amount of time, while meeting all safety measures. The competition reflects the need to be fast and accurate, because in combat a few moments' delay in sending cannon fire downrange can cost the lives of those calling for artillery support.

"The fastest and the safest to lay the piece won," Sazama said. To "lay the piece" means the cannon is properly emplaced and aligned with safety and aiming devices.

"It felt incredible to be number one," Strande said. "The competition was battalion level, with two units and 10 sections, but we were the one's able to pull together and work as a team."

Sazama agreed. "We are honored to be given the chance to do this, especially when it means so much to the unit," he said.

The 1st Batallion, 120th Field Artillery is headquartered in Wisconsin Rapids, with subordinate units in Marshfield and Stevens Point.

With renewed motivation, and high spirits, the 120th continued training. "We're going to expand and build on what we're doing here," Sazama said. "The first shot was just the first step."

Face of Defense: ‘Gun Doctor’ Keeps Howitzers Firing

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Holland

Marine Corps Bases Japan

HIJUDAI TRAINING AREA, Japan, Feb. 24, 2011 – People who feel under the weather see a doctor. If a dog isn’t feeling well, a visit to the veterinarian is in order. If an M777 howitzer is on the fritz, Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Rivera is the man to call.

As a second-echelon artillery mechanic with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force’s 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Rivera is responsible for troubleshooting errors, implementing solutions, and supervising operations to ensure Marines accomplish their mission.

“It’s basically my job to step in if a misfire occurs or the gun isn’t operating properly,” said Rivera, who has worked in his field for three years. “I oversee everything from gun levels and pressure to suspension, breach movements and recoil maintenance.”

Marines qualified to conduct artillery maintenance are categorized into four echelons, Rivera said.

“The members of the gun team are the first on the scene to troubleshoot when there’s a problem with the howitzer,” he explained. “If they can’t solve the problem, I step in. If the damage is beyond my control, the third echelon, heavy ordnance, is called in. When and if the repairs are considered too extensive, then the gun is sent to the fourth echelon, which is basically a repair shop where full maintenance can be applied.”

To qualify as a second-echelon artillery mechanic, Rivera attended the two-month artillery technician course in Aberdeen, Md. The course focused on two main objectives: taking the M777 howitzer apart, then reassembling it piece by piece. In the process, Rivera said, he learned the purpose and importance of each item.

“It’s always easy to take something apart, but when it comes to putting it back together and having to account for each piece, it’s really tough,” the Jacksonville, Fla., native said.

The task took about a month and a half to complete, he added.

Rivera is aided in his troubleshooting by a portable computer that serves as a digital problem-solving companion, hooking up to the digital fire-control system attached to the howitzer and providing step-by-step instructions to aid in maintenance procedures.

However, the computer can’t decipher every malfunction, Rivera said. Sometimes it comes down to trial and error.

“A majority of the solutions I use on a daily basis were learned through on-the-job training,” Rivera said. “Whether or not the computer can aid me in fixing a gun just depends on the situation.”

After more than a dozen exercises and training events, Rivera says he still finds his job intriguing and relevant.

“Even though I did auto mechanic work before I came into the Marines, I never pictured myself working on a weapon this complex and expensive,” he said. “I feel accomplished knowing that my assistance ensures missions go smoothly and the goal is reached every time.”

To the Marines Rivera assists in the field, he is not a distant repairman who steps in only when there’s a problem, but is a valuable asset and productive member of their team.

“Even when the gun is firing perfectly, you can still find Rivera helping load rounds, run errands, whatever we need,” said Marine Corps Cpl. Dennis Price, assistant chief of Gun Team 2. “We consider him just as much a member of the team as anyone else.”

Rivera recently re-enlisted for his second term, and said his job not only is an important aspect of artillery, but also is a non-negotiable asset to the Marine Corps as a whole.

“Without gun doctors, Marines wouldn’t be able to send rounds downrange if they encounter a malfunction beyond their expertise,” he said. “Without rounds pushing out toward the target objective, the howitzer is just an 8,000-pound paperweight.”

Thunder in the Night

On August 28, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Raymond S. Kopp, USN, on a Sailor’s Perspective of the Vietnam War.

Program Date: August 28, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Thunder in the Night
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/29/Thunder-in-the-Night

About the Guest
Raymond S. Kopp “was born in the small town of Starrucca, Pennsylvania on September 19, 1951. He joined the Navy upon graduation from high school and his four years of service took him to many places, including Vietnam. Ray left the Navy in September of 1973 and later returned to Navy Reserve duty from 1978 to 1980. He has enjoyed many occupational endeavors, including working as a technical specialist and designer in the aerospace industry, an N/C machinist, a sailing instructor and a skiing instructor.” Raymond S. Kopp is the author of Thunder in the Night: A Sailor's Perspective on Vietnam.

According to the book description of Thunder in the Night: A Sailor's Perspective on Vietnam, “When May 1972 came around, the war in Vietnam was supposed to be winding down. But for a the crews of Task Unit 77.1.2 it was just starting. Steaming into heavily defended North Vietnamese waters the sailors and marines experienced war as they never thought possible. They engaged their foes with crushing, hit and run tactics that helped stem the flow of men and materiel needed for the Communist takeover of South Vietnam. In raid after raid the artillery firefights that ensued showed their adversaries to be well-trained and equipped forces intent on defending the military complexes of the Hanoi and Haiphong region. As time trudged on they found themselves constant targets of enemy fire and inner-psychological warfare.”

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/29/Thunder-in-the-Night

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530