Volpe Center: Volpe Center Highlights

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Volpe Center Highlights - November/December 1999

National Security

Advance the nation's vital security interests by ensuring that the transportation system is secure and available for defense mobility and that our borders are safe from illegal intrusion.

The 54th Annual NDTA Transportation and Logistics Forum and Exposition Held in Alaska

The Volpe Center is the Executive Agent for the National Defense and Transportation Association's (NDTA) Transportation Technology Subcommittee. This subcommittee provides a forum and sounding board for the national defense transportation industry, including senior level personnel in organizations that sponsor programs at the Volpe Center. Ms. Karen Cronin, Director of the Office of Information and Logistics Management, is the Volpe Center representative to the Business Practices Committee and the Technology Subcommittee.

The Volpe Center's role as a participant in working committees and subcommittees within the NDTA is key to understanding the interests of the Defense Transportation System and their effect on the entire national transportation system. Attendance at NDTA forums is a critical activity in maintaining and initiating contact with current and potential sponsors of work within the Department of Defense and to remain informed concerning defense and national transportation issues.

Ms. Karen Cronin along with Dr. Frank Hassler, Director of the Office of Strategic Programs and Resource Planning; Mr. Edward Herger, Chief of the Intermodal Logistics Systems Planning and Integration Division; Mr. Bob Stouffer of the Logistic and Strategic Management Division; and Mr. Kenneth Troup of the Intermodal Logistics Systems Planning and Integration Division attended the NDTA Forum held in Anchorage, Alaska, on October 2 to 6. Lt. Gen John M. (Mike) McDuffie was the keynote speaker, and General Charles T. Robertson, Jr., USAF, Commander-in-Chief, United States Transportation Command and Commander of the Air Mobility Command spoke at the Military Awards Ceremony. During this 4-day meeting, there were many opportunities for the beneficial exchange of ideas and knowledge about future trends in defense logistics and transportation functions.

The NDTA is an educational, non-profit, worldwide organization, equipped to combine the transportation industry's manpower and skills with the expertise of those in government and the military to achieve the mutual objective of a strong and responsive transportation capability. The purpose of this meeting was to bring together members of the transportation community from government and industry to discuss national transportation issues and policies that affect military transportation. This year's theme, "Global Challenges and Changes," acknowledges the challenges of a changing world environment driven by acquisitions and mergers, technological advances and an unprecedented increase in global alliances. Three panel discussions concentrated on examining the changing environment, the need for manpower with new and different skill levels, and the challenges of implementing necessary new business practices within the Defense Transportation System.

UK Workshop Held in Response to Critical Need for Explosive Detection Techniques (FAA)

During the week of October 18, Dr. John Hobbs of the Safety and Environmental Technology Division, and a nationally recognized expert in the field of explosive detection, visited Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom. The purpose of his visit was to participate in the Fourth Workshop of the Ad Hoc Group of Specialists on the Detection of Explosives of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Dr. Hobbs presented the paper, "Use of Solvent for the Removal of Explosives Particles from Surfaces," which he co-authored with Mr. Edward Conde of the Safety and Environmental Technology Division. The workshop was in response to the critical need for explosive detection techniques, bomb countermeasures and security procedures. The Volpe Center is supporting the FAA by studying techniques for detecting explosives and flammable liquids concealed on airline passengers. Commercial systems have been in use for some time - metal detectors satisfy operational requirements for the detection of weapons on passengers, and various types of radiation equipment have been used for the inspection of baggage. However, detection systems for explosives and flammable liquids concealed on a person remain to be developed.

Volpe Center Provides Engineering Support to Army's Watercraft Program (US ARMY TACOM)

Recently, Mr. Rod Cook, Mr. Mark Gentile, and Mr. Mike Buonopane, all of the Environmental Engineering Division, participated in an In-Process Review for the watercraft program at the Army's Tank-automotive and Armament Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan. Mr. Gentile gave a briefing on the Halon replacement project that included the feasibility and testing of alternative agents, the first installations and acceptance, and the schedule for production installations. The approximately 50 participants included Colonel Cannon, Force Projection Program Manager, the Watercraft Program Office, Combined Arms Command (CASCOM), Combat Equipment Base North Atlantic, 7th Transportation Group, Army Material Command, and Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). The Volpe Center has been supporting the Army's watercraft program since 1993. The nature of the work entails marine engineering and logistics support for the life-cycle management of Army watercraft and causeway systems. The support also includes mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering for the elimination of ozone depleting substances and preventing pollution from Army vessels.

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