Disposal of GB-filled 8-inch shells completed at Anniston depot

The Associated Press
July 18, 2005


The last tray of 8-inch artillery shells filled with Cold War-era GB nerve gas has been disposed of at the Army's chemical weapons incinerator, officials at the Anniston Army Depot announced Monday.

More than 16,000 of the 8-inch shells filled with GB, a nerve agent also called sarin, were destroyed in the latest phase of weapons incineration at the Army stockpile.

The disposal of 105mm artillery shells filled with GB is scheduled to begin later this month and conclude before the end of the year.

An extended maintenance, retooling and training period will begin when all the 105mm shells are destroyed. Army Depost officials said a halt in disposal is required to ensure all employees and equipment are prepared to start the next campaign, disposing of VX-filled M-55 rockets, which is expected to begin in Spring 2006.