Homeland security forum responses 312
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312fr.docxDavid Blackketter
The Port Chicago Disaster
An explosion occurred in the Port of Chicago on July 17th 1944, when a naval vessel was taking on munitions in preparation of returning to the Pacific theater. The detonation killed 320 sailors and caused a significant amount of damage to the naval base and the adjoining town. One item of note, which I drew from the document, was that the men assigned to load the munitions had voiced their concerns of the dangerous conditions involved with this duty. It’s possible that they were loading compromised or damaged (maybe even fissionable) ammunition that created an unsafe working environment. In addition, the document suggests that there may have been a competition, of some sorts, between the men loading the dangerous cargo (Parsons, N.D.).
The loading of munitions and high explosive ordinance is dangerous. In my experience of loading 25 mm high explosive rounds, the duty is completed meticulously and carefully slow. Munitions are dragged along decks and never raised above waist level. There are pre-briefs that involve risk assessments for the crew and the clearing of the surrounding area for safety of non-loading personnel.
The Halifax Explosion
The Halifax explosion occurred when two vessels collided in a narrow channel in the Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia. One was loaded with 400,000 tons of TNT and a variety of other volatile materials. The vessels collided, due to confusion when agreeing on passing arraignments, and the explosion resulted in the deaths of over 2000 persons (Unknown Author, N.D.).
A few items of note come to mind when reading about this disaster. Vessels carrying highly volatile substances are required to fly a flag to identify their cargo. The vessel in question did not do this. It’s unknown if this would have changed the outcome. However, it is clear that the captain of the outgoing vessel had little regard for the safe navigation of his ship and created a risk of collision with his maneuvers. Today, mariners must abide by the COLREGS of 1972, otherwise known as the Navigation Rules.
The Texas City Disaster
This disaster occurred in Texas City in which a fire, of unknown origin, ignited 2300 tons of ammonium nitrate. This is the same compound used in the Oklahoma City bombing. The text made mention that the order to stop using water was given so as not to damage the cargo. Ports can be very dangerous areas, especially when dangerous compounds are stored in close proximity to civilians and other volatile materials. One key take away is watch stations. Vessel crews must maintain space accountability and make regular checks for fire and flooding. Both can result in death to a ship. Another area of note, was the mixing of materials. Cargo vessels must segregate hazardous materials to prevent the possibility of situations like this one (Unknown Author, N.D.).
Pearl Harbor
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese aggressors left a crippled Pacific Fleet in its wake. The results were over 2300 service men dead. The Japanese meticulously planned this strike to cause as much damage to our Battleships as possible. The first take away from this attack was the lack of intelligence. Another point was that the Battleships were moored together in what was called “Battleship row”. This resulted in a much larger target profile for which the Japanese to target with their bombs. Ships are rarely moored together like this anymore. Naval Base Norfolk comes to mind where you can see that the ships are staggered along the pier vice tied off together. One last note, the Japanese attacked on a Sunday. They expected the Navy sailors to be relaxing and their guard to be completely down. The lesson learned is to always have some sort of contingency on alert at all times (Unknown Author, N.D.).
David
Parsons, W. (N.D.). The Port of Chicago Disaster. Retrieved from https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/attachment/344305/Forums/486adacc-abc5-4501-a568-6b4b183809b4/The%2BPort%2BChicago%2BDisaster%2BJuly%2B1944.pdf
Unknown Author. (N.D.). Halifax Explosion. Retrieved from https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/attachment/344305/Forums/8d852ad1-ba47-4cd3-a1a7-80b2f03615d9/Halifax%2BExplosion%2B-%2B%2BHalifax%2C%2BNova%2BScotia%2C%2BCanada%2BDecember%2B1917.pdf
Unknown Author. (N.D.). Texas City, Texas, Disaster. Fire Prevention and Engineering Bureau of Texas & The National Board of Fire Underwriters. Retrieved from https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/attachment/344305/Forums/1d6841f2-9e28-4a05-87cb-23a52ffd3f3c/Texas%2BCity%2BDisaster%2BApril%2B1947.pdf
Unknown Author. (N.D.). Attack at Peral Harbor, Hawaii. Retrieved from https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/attachment/344305/Forums/40d1b3e8-3b0c-44e3-9a27-0d680932f019/Attack%2Bat%2BPearl%2BHarbor%2BDecember%2B1941.pdf
1. Halifax Explosion – 1917
The event of The Halifax explosion could most definitely have been eluded. It was a very horrible event that we have experience and learn quite a bit from. Just like most things in life communicating is a very critical tool. This tool is key in the day to day life as far as relationship to the work in being able to assist each other. Then there is thee need to communicate when dealing with the traffic management of in and outbound ships. There was over a 1,000 lives that was lost and even more over injured when the SS IMO and SS Mont-Blanc collided. With the SS Mont-Blanc hauling an incredible amount of explosive materials on board, there was not appropriate labels on the cargo to be identifiable easily. This would allow the crew of the ship to know what they are carrying and there are specific markers for the vessel as well to alert other ships. Then they are the first responders who would also need to be aware of what is on the ship they are or might be responding to so they can be more better prepare for the situation. Now a days there are improved communications between ships and the ports, and appropriate markings for containers and ships as well in order to be able to identify potential hazards.
1. Pearl Harbor-1941
One of the most famous attacks, which also played a part the changing of the course of history in so many various ways. This sneaky and under handed attack on Pearl Harbor has brought attention to place more time and money to being prepared and not being caught off guard like that again. There were so many valuable lessons learned from this tragic event. Starting with the porting of so many naval ships and/or fleets in one location all the same time. Then there is the fact that there was signs leading to the potential for an attack to take place, which was ignored due to lack of enough evidence. Presently decent amount of evidence leading to a potential attack is looking into more seriously.
1. Port of Chicago
In this situation at the Port of Chicago, there could have been some many finger pointing and blame for the event. With a big one on the proper training of individual on the use of ammunitions. There should be more strict training to make sure that individuals understand how to do daily checks and safely know how to handled materials. There should have been no misunderstanding on how the explosive could go off. Then there would not have been 320 deaths and large area riddled with damages that would need attention. With both vessel being loaded with an incredible amount of explosive right next to each other, there should have been precautions and safety guidelines followed strictly.
1. Texas City
In this event that led to multiple explosions, which could have totally been avoided by just taking basic measures and implementing them on a big scale. The initial explosion was ignited by the ammonium nitrate within the vessels next to it. This then caused a chain reaction which brought great damage to the surrounding area. With proper training, communication, and appropriate marking of items this whole event would have never happened.
References:
American Public University System. (2016). Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: December 7, 1941. Retrieved from goo.gl/aUm4i6
American Public University System. (2016). Halifax Explosion, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: December 6, 1917. Retrieved from goo.gl/TsqGbo
American Public University System. (2016). Texas City, Texas, disaster: April 16-17, 1947. Retrieved from goo.gl/NgEhOX
American Public University System. (2016). The Port Chicago disaster: Port Chicago, California Naval Base, July 17, 1944. Retrieved from goo.gl/rg6KqP
