MORRIS COUNTY

Picatinny Arsenal issues noise warning Monday

Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR

ROCKAWAY TWP. – Picatinny Arsenal issued a noise warning on Monday for residents close to the base in conjunction with an on-site media day featuring live demonstration firings.

Picatinny Arsenal issued a noise warning on Monday for residents close to the base in conjunction with an on-site media day featuring live demonstration firings.

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, and among the demonstration firings is the M119A3 howitzer, which personnel estimated would be fired up to 10 times during the day.

PHOTOS: Picatinny Arsenal Media Day http://dailyre.co/1Ib9izE

The firings are loud and can be heard in areas neighboring the base, Picatinny Arsenal said in an announcement on its Facebook page. Because of that, Picatinny wanted to warn the public of the noise in advance of the event.

For the demonstration, Picatinny subject experts and Marines will explain the duties of the howitzer firing crew, which include the Forward Observer, Fire Direction Specialist and Cannoneers.

Following the lesson, media members will assume roles in a "firing mission" and will have an opportunity to fire blank charges in the howitzer.

The media day event is open to members of the press, community leaders and members of the public who wish to learn more about Picatinny Arsenal's facilities and workforce.

Located off Route 15 on about 6,400 acres in portions of Rockaway and Jefferson townships, Picatinny has been designated as the Joint Center of Excellence for Armaments and Ammunition. It provides nearly 90 percent of the Army's lethality capabilities and other products and services to all branches of the U.S. military.

The installation specializes in the research, development, acquisition and life-cycle management of advanced conventional weapon systems and advanced ammunition.

The arsenal employs about 5,000 people; the majority are civilian employees or contractors, making it one of the top employers in Morris County.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com