Official newsletter of the U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal. A gathering of key stories and photos that capture some of the action at the U.S. Army's manufacturing center at Watervliet, N.Y. This is a low resolution edition and so, if you wish to have a higher resolution copy, please send a note to: usarmy.watervliet.tacom.list.wvapublicaffairs@mail.mil The Watervliet Arsenal (pronounced water-vleet) is an Army-owned and -operated manufacturing facility located in Watervliet, New York. The Arsenal is the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States having begun operations during the War of 1812.

1. Watervlietforging
Watervlietforging
aheadwithkey
aheadwithkey
modernization
modernization
projects
projects
Replacement forge and paint booth
Replacement forge and paint booth
planned
planned
Page 3
Page 3
2nd Quarter FY23 awards
2nd Quarter FY23 awards
Employees receive recognition
Employees receive recognition
Page 6
Page 6
U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal – Since 1813
U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal – Since 1813 Summer 2023
Summer 2023
Watervliet celebrates culture
Watervliet celebrates culture
Wrap-up of 2nd quarter observances
Wrap-up of 2nd quarter observances
Page 4
Page 4

2. Page 2 The Salvo
Commander’s Corner
Col. Alain G. Fisher
Watervliet Arsenal is in the midst of executing
the largest modernization effort since our founding.
We are proud to announce two key modernization
efforts that will be finished in the coming years. Our
plans to replace the rotary forge and paint booth will
revolutionize how we do business and are part of
efforts we are taking to shape the arsenal of the future.
Our Equal Employment Opportunity and Special
Emphasis Program team continue to do a great
job of hosting interesting and engaging special
observances highlighting the many different cultures
and people that make up the fabric of our team and
our nation. There is strength in diversity and these
events emphasize that through the personal stories
our talented guest speakers share. I want to share
my appreciation for everyone that attends these
events and encourage you all to participate in future
observances.
I will always make it a point to recognize members
of our team who perform above and beyond the call in
their duties. Please take the time to read through our
employees whose contributions to our team’s efforts
were awarded this past quarter. Great job team!
Lastly, September is Suicide Prevent Month,
please take time to view the backpage of this issue
for information on identifying the warning signs of
someone contemplating suicide and the resources that
are available.
Forging the future since 1813!
Col. Alain G. Fisher
63rd Commander, Watervliet Arsenal
Greetings Team Watervliet, we have had a tremendous second
quarter and I continue to be proud of the work all of you do for
our Army and nation. I look forward to continuing to see this
team excel and reach new heights.
Commander: Col. Alain G. Fisher
Public Affairs Officer: Matthew I. Day
Photography: Tanya Bissaillon, Matthew I. Day
www.wva.army.mil
www.facebook.com/WatervlietArsenal
The Arsenal Salvo is an authorized monthly publication for
members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Salvo are
not necessarily the official views of, or an endorsement by the U.S.
Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the
Army, or the Watervliet Arsenal.
News may be submitted for publication by sending articles to
Public Affairs Officer, 1 Buffington Street, Bldg. 10, Watervliet, NY
12189, or stop by office #102, Bldg. 10, Watervliet Arsenal. The editor
may also be reached at (518) 266.5055 or by email: matthew.i.day.
civ@army.mil. The editor reserves the right to edit all information
submitted for publication.
U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal – Since 1813

3. Page 3
Summer 2023
Story by: Matthew Day
The new forge and paint booth will increase capacity,
quality and support the trend towards longer, more capa-
ble artillery and cannon.
“These two modernization projects really capture what
we are doing at Watervliet Arsenal. This is the front end
and back end of cannon production,”Col. Alain Fisher,
Watervliet Arsenal commander, said.“We are using new
technology in our facilities from the moment raw material
enters until the final product is loaded and transported to
its ultimate destination, America’s Soldiers, Marines and
Airmen.”
To say cannon manufacturing is a specialized skill is an
understatement; among the specific processes Watervliet
Arsenal uses, none is more iconic than the massive rotary
forge. Since it was first installed in 1976, Watervliet’s forge
has produced thousands of barrels for every long-range
direct and indirect fire cannon systems for the U.S. military
and ally nations. Watervliet currently produces cannon for
the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, M1 Abrams tank,
M77 light-weight howitzer, AC-130 gunship for the U.S. Air
Force and next generation cannon.
The idea of replacing aging machines is nothing new at
Watervliet, however, the scale and importance of the forge
has made the thought of its eventual removal a challenge.
That all changed with a renewed interest in long-range
precision fires by the U.S. Army and an increase in
production since 2019. The answer was simple: to continue
fulfilling mission requirements and new capabilities, the
rotary forge would need to be replaced.
Please see FORGING AHEAD 5 
Watervlietforgingaheadwithkey
Watervlietforgingaheadwithkey
modernizationprojects
modernizationprojects
Replacement forge and paint booth planned
Replacement forge and paint booth planned
Leadership at America’s cannon and mortar factory announce plans to replace the arsenal’s
rotary forge and paint booth in the coming years as part of a massive 15-year modernization
effort.
Watervliet Arsenal Painter Thomas Barnes applies paint to a M776 howit-
zer barrel used on the M777 Light-weight Howitzer. In its current configu-
ration, painters apply paint by hand and must wear protective breathing
hoods to protect them from paint fumes during the process. Construction
for the new paint booth begins in 2024 and will use automation and
robotics, increasing safety and quality.

4. Page 4 The Salvo
From Women’s History Month to Holocaust Days of
Remembrance and the Asian American Pacific Islander
special observance, the arsenal provided its workforce
with thought-provoking and educational experiences.
Kicking off the quarter on March 23, Watervliet Arse-
nal paid tribute to Women’s History Month with a special
observance. The event featured a distinguished guest
speaker, DEVCOM AC SES Cynthia Perazzo, Executive
Director of the Weapons & Software Engineering Center,
who shared her insights and experiences as a trailblazing
woman in her field. Perazzo’s inspirational speech shed
light on the contributions of women throughout history
and encouraged attendees to strive for excellence in their
own careers.
The arsenal continued its commitment to commem-
orating significant historical events by hosting a special
observance for Holocaust Days of Remembrance on April
20. The guest speaker for this solemn occasion was Ste-
ven Hess, a Holocaust survivor. Hess shared his personal
account of the horrors he witnessed during this dark
chapter of human history, leaving a lasting impact on all
Watervliet Arsenal concluded a dynamic and eventful second quarter of Fiscal Year 2023
with a series of special observances that celebrated and honored diverse aspects of history
and culture.
Story by: Matthew Day
Watervlietcelebratesculture
Watervlietcelebratesculture
Wrap-up of 2nd quarter observances
Wrap-up of 2nd quarter observances
Holocaust Survivor Steven Hess shares his family’s experiences during the
Holocaust during the Holocaust Days of Remembrance special obser-
vance at Watervliet Arsenal on April 20.
Women’s History Month gues speaker, DEVCOM AC SES Cynthia Perazzo,
Executive Director of the Weapons & Software Engineering Center, shared
her journey in Federal service on March 23.

5. Page 5
Summer 2023
The project addresses facility and garrison infrastruc-
ture upgrades and improvements at Watervliet Arsenal to
support a new rotary forge. WVA is evaluating and design-
ing infrastructure support for secondary equipment and
processes that support forge operations including, power,
HVAC, controls, structural, architectural upgrades, security,
telecommunications, process flow, hazardous material
testing, fire suppression and alarms, construction phasing
and logistics support, equipment laydown area evalua-
tion, and other support.
Equally important is the finish coating that all cannon
and artillery undergo at Watervliet Arsenal—after all, paint
protects the underlying steel from harsh weather condi-
tions, improving the lifespan of a cannon. Watervliet lead-
ers are planning a new modern automated paint booth to
support longer cannon and increase quality.
The new paint booth is not only more technologically
advanced, but also larger to accommodate longer cannon
and allow more cannon to be painted at a time.
The new paint booth includes automation, an upgrad-
ed oven, robotic tooling, programmable controls, and
automatic ambient and climate controls. Supporting this
new technology are multiple utility and infrastructure im-
provements, including HVAC, electrical, fire suppression,
gas connections, compressed air, structural and building
repairs. Once complete, WVA will have the capability to
paint larger and heavier components needed to support
Army Signature Modernization projects.
The current paint booth requires protective equipment
worn by painters who spray cannon and components by
hand. While a skilled painter is effective at this job, auto-
mation improves consistency and reduces exposure risks
to painters.
“Anytime we can use engineering controls and practic-
es to not only improve our processes and quality but also
reduce risks to our employees, it is a win-win,”Matthew
Church, Watervliet Safety and Environmental Division
chief, said.“Removing the human from direct contact with
the process allows us to protect the employee’s health
while not replacing them with a robot.”
Planned construction of the new paint booth will begin
in fiscal year 2024.
FORGING AHEAD
 CONTINUED FROM 3
those present. The event aimed to raise awareness about
the importance of remembering and learning from the
past to build a better future.
Shifting the focus to celebrate the rich diversity within
the workforce, on May 18, Watervliet Arsenal organized
the Asian American Pacific Islander special observance.
Dr. Jose David, an Albany Family Physician, was invited as
the guest speaker. Dr. David shared his journey from the
Philippines to America and his career providing healthcare
to the surrounding community. The event emphasized
the significance of fostering an inclusive and supportive
environment for all employees.
These special observances at Watervliet Arsenal served
as a reminder of the arsenal’s commitment to education,
cultural understanding, and diversity. By hosting these
events, the organization demonstrated its dedication to
creating an inclusive workplace that honors and celebrates
the contributions and experiences of individuals from all
walks of life.
The 2nd quarter of FY23 was a testament to the arsenal’s
mission to not only excel in its manufacturing capabili-
ties but also foster an environment that values diversity,
educates its workforce, and encourages open dialogue on
significant historical and cultural topics. Watervliet Arse-
nal’s commitment to hosting such events showcases its
dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive community
within its walls.
As the arsenal moves forward into the next quarter, it is
clear that its commitment to honoring history, culture, and
diversity will continue to be a priority. Watervliet Arsenal
serves as an exemplar for other organizations in recog-
nizing and celebrating the mosaic of human experiences,
ensuring a workplace that is not only productive but also
enriching for all employees.

6. Page 6 The Salvo
Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal
Daniel Belk
James Burns
Army Civilian Service Acheivement Medal
Tonya Favreau
Christopher Rodriguez
Army Certificate of Achievement
Adam Gagliardi
Connor Mattes
Jay Platt
Army Certificate of Appreciation
Joseph Archembault
Erin Arendt
Jennifer Eaton
Linda Kane
Darren Legere
Christi Meyer
Phillip Nolan
Friedirich Schnackenberg
Dorothy Sellers
Breanna Sisson
Steven Snyder
Eric Wigand
WVA Commander’s Coin
Tamara Cyphers
John Day
Robert Domenici
Michele Fields
2ndquarterFY2023awards
2ndquarterFY2023awards
Watervliet Arsenal employees receive recognition
Watervliet Arsenal employees receive recognition
The following employees received recognition for thier service at Watervliet Arsenal.
Foodtrucksonthearsenal
Foodtrucksonthearsenal
Tentative food truck dates
Tentative food truck dates
Oct. 2 - At First Bite
Oct. 3 - Annabel’s Pizza
Oct. 5 - At First Bite
Oct. 10 - At First Bite
Oct. 11 - Two for the Road
Oct. 12 - Annabel’s Pizza
Oct. 13 - At First Bite
Oct. 16 - Annabel’s Pizza
Oct. 17 - At First Bite
Oct. 18 - Two for the Road
Oct. 19 - Burger 21
Oct. 23 - Annabel’s Pizza
Oct. 24 - Burger 21
Oct. 25 - Burger 21
Oct. 26 - Annabel’s Pizza
Oct. 27 - At First Bite
Oct. 30 - Annabel’s Pizza
Oct. 31 - At First Bite
Nov. 1 - Annabel’s Pizza
Nov. 2 - Burger 21
Nov. 6 - Annabel’s Pizza
Nov. 7 - At First Bite
Nov. 8 - Burger 21
Nov. 9 - At First Bite
Nov. 13 - Annabel’s Pizza
Nov. 14 - At First Bite
Nov. 15 - Two for the Road
Nov. 16 - Burger 21
Nov. 20 - Annabel’s Pizza
Nov. 21 - At First Bite
Nov. 22 - Burger 21
Nov. 27 - Annabel’s Pizza
Nov. 28 - At First Bite
Nov. 29 - Burger 21
Nov. 30 - Annabel’s Pizza
Please note, dates and food trucks are subject to change. Food trucks schedules will be
announced at the beginning and end of each week.

7. Page 7
Summer 2023
Cannon barrels sometimes come back to WVA from the field for rework or repair. Often, the
tubes have names painted on them. Why do soldiers name their tanks?
Story by: Mark Ripley
Namingcannontubes
Namingcannontubes
Continuous Improvement Office
Continuous Improvement Office
When we name something we are establishing a
relationship, a partnership. If I take care of“you”then
“you”will take care of me. That’s something important
to hang on to out in the wild where you can only rely
on cannon and crew to stay alive. It brings your Abrams
into the family, a big brother who will take care of you
in times of danger. A tough-sounding name makes you
glad your weapon is on your side, a bad-ass who will
stop at nothing to protect you and your crew. A funny/
clever name implies courage in the face of danger. The
name may remember a loved one you want to go home
to.
In particular, naming a weapon may give the namer
the feeling that the weapon has magical powers (like
“Excalibur”), that it will work better than the other guys’
hunk of un-named, un-cared-for metal. Named weap-
ons such as“Te Tuhiwai”, the greenstone hand club of
the Māori chief Te Rauparaha or Daniel Boone’s famous
Kentucky Long Rifle“Tick-Licker”(he said it could shoot
a tick harmlessly off an animal) —gained reputations
for deeds on the battlefield that persisted beyond their
owner’s life span. Naming a weapon isn’t too far from
incanting a spell or bestowing a blessing upon it.
Psychology and mythology aside, naming tanks is a
longstanding tradition in the Army with (of course) its
own rules and regulations. The command staff must
approve; they usually don’t deny a name as long as it
isn’t (too) explicit.
Most of the time the name follows the tradition of
starting with the same letter as your company (or bat-
tery/squadron). The commander may specify what type
of name is acceptable. Or not – commander’s peroga-
tive.
The Sierra Army Depot in California, where M1
Abrams tanks retire, even keeps a list of names drawn
from its inventory (see picture).
For a soldier, alone out in a hard world with their
fellow tankers, one thing they can hang on to is the re-
liability and effectiveness of their M1 with“LET’R BUCK”
or“CAPITAL PUNISHMENT”stenciled on the main gun. I
refuse to let them down. Lean Six Sigma and Continu-
ous Improvement help us build in the“magic”; making
the best possible tube, quickly with the least waste.