The multinational logistics support element has developed a novel way to support the environmental disposal of plastic sonobuoy casings at the world’s largest maritime exercise: RIMPAC 24.
Sonobuoys are metre-long floating tubular devices with underwater sensors that are launched from aircraft or ships. They are deployed in a pattern and transmit acoustic data – vital for anti-submarine warfare.
With environmental stewardship of the Hawaiian Islands among the highest of priorities during RIMPAC, disposal of sonobuoy casings has been a logistical necessity.
Air Force logistics officer Squadron Leader Kierryn Higbed said the multinational logistics support element supporting RIMAPC identified a solution using the US Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Disposition Service system.
“We have been working together to prepare the sonobuoy casings so that US personnel have been able to pass them through their regular processing system, which helped comply with the environmental impact requirements for the State of Hawaii,” Squadron Leader Higbed said.
“By ensuring the casings meet the requirements of the DLA’s Disposition Service, we are not increasing the impost on the Hawaiian commercial system or seeing these casings shipped back to the United States mainland to be disposed of in a less environmentally friendly way.”
Military personnel from New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the US worked together to prepare the sonobuoy casings to meet the requirements for effective disposal.
Aviation ordinanceman Senior Chief Ryan Ward, of the US Navy’s Washington-based Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, said leftover plastic casings had been a big challenge after previous exercises.
“They back up really quickly so if we don’t get a lot of help like we are now, then it can become an issue. Having this manpower is amazing, it’s a huge help,” Senior Chief Ward said.
“Seeing so many nations come together and help each other out, it’s beautiful. We’ve never been able to successfully achieve this before so well done to everyone.”
Squadron Leader Higbed said the US Navy 10th Wing and US Navy Third Fleet have been excellent hosts for RIMPAC and it was a privilege to assist in solving a problem.
