Tobyhanna Army Depot, Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher Workload Highlights Inter-Service Capability

At the forefront of naval defense, the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Launcher stands ready. But behind this powerful weapon system is a crucial support network, anchored by the joint expertise of Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD), ensuring these rapid-response defense systems are ready, modern and prepared.

TYAD is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and is a known frontrunner in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense (DoD). However, many may be unaware of the plethora of other work depot artisans perform in support of the other branches of our armed forces. Nearly 40% of the work performed daily at TYAD supports the Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and more.

In the early 2010s, TYAD was contacted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which helps build and support America’s Fleet of ships and combat systems, about the depot’s corrosion prevention capabilities. What began as a trip to perform maintenance on three systems has grown into a successful and ever-growing partnership spanning over a decade as to this day, TYAD provides full life-cycle support for a variety of NAVSEA needs.

The RAM Launcher is a ship-based defense system that helps ensure our American warriors and the nation’s most lethal fighting force remain ready, modern, and prepared. It provides rapid-response protection by intercepting and neutralizing threats like anti-ship missiles, drones, and aircrafts. By enabling swift, accurate engagement of hostile targets, the system ensures that our maritime assets can operate safely and effectively in complex environments.

Early on, TYAD’s support of the RAM Launcher consisted of numerous Rapid Turnaround Program and Launcher Material Enhancement Program missions. These evolved into On-Ship Refurbishment Program missions in which depot artisans would travel to the weapon to perform quick maintenance on-site. As the relationship between the depot and NAVSEA deepened, RAM Launchers began being transported to so that more in-depth maintenance, such as working on electrical components, can be executed. TYAD has truly become a one-stop-shop for complete RAM Launcher overhaul.

RAM Launcher workload at TYAD has grown so much that an entirely new blast booth was constructed on-post. The booth was co-located with the RAM Launcher assets so that they may be moved in and out of the booth with ease, saving the DoD time and money. Additionally, the booth improved the quality of the work being done as it was specially designed to offer capabilities needed to execute Navy asset refinishing, primarily its use of plastic blasting media versus the use of the rather abrasive aluminum zirconium media.

The team supporting the RAM Launcher is busy, answering the call both within and outside of the continental United States to provide support to our nation’s warfighters. With just this workload alone, TYAD has a presence in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Korea in addition to the United States, ensuring that Navy Sailors across the globe have the support they need to remain ready, modern, and prepared. Whether an asset is worked on at the depot or offsite typically depends on the ships’ availability and the condition of the asset itself.

Stacy Costanzo is a Lead Project Manager within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. She lauded the Mobile Depot Maintenance (MDM) teams for their consistent quality and efficiency in the work they provide.

“The MDM team’s excellent work, both on ship and in-house, has increased our workload and opportunities, positioning TYAD for continued success. Their dedication to the fleet is deeply appreciated,” said Costanzo. “The team possesses a comprehensive understanding of not just overhaul tasks, but also the essential logistical operations that are crucial to success. I’m incredibly proud to work with such a skilled and dedicated team. They are excellent representatives of our organization.”

Michael McDermott is a General Equipment Mechanic Leader within TYAD’s Mission Execution Directorate. It is his role to recondition and repair RAM Launchers on ships and to remove and install on the ships as they become available within ports. He also oversees the overhaul work done on-post whilst not on travel. He said being involved in the entire sustainment lifecycle of a RAM Launcher is very fulfilling.

“The most rewarding aspect of this program for me is being on the program from the beginning and seeing how the scope of work evolves,” said McDermott. “From reconditioning on the ship, to complete removals and depot level overhaul and reinstalling myself. Being a part of the whole process from cradle to grave is very gratifying.”

The RAM Launcher team doesn’t do it alone, however. The workload truly is a cross-functional one as TYAD’s Quality Management directorate ensures the work is being executed to meet the Navy’s expectations, and other support shops, such as the Fabrication & Component Refinishing Division, provide their expertise on an as-needed basis.

Charles Bartleson is a Logistics Management Specialist within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. He praised the team working on RAM Launcher, citing their sense of unity and shared purpose as a key driver of success.

“The RAM MDM Leads have a lot of experience and are very knowledgeable. It is very apparent when you ask them any questions about the launchers, components or how the launchers work with the ship’s systems. I feel the entire team shares the common goal of ensuring the safety of our Navy sailors and ships,” said Bartleson. “I take great pride in being part of the RAM program and look forward to the future and what that means for the program.”

On top of the 13 RAM Launcher missions already scheduled for 2025, it is not uncommon for emergency missions to arise. Even on short notice, the committed workforce at TYAD rises to the occasion and will either travel to the location of the system or have it transported to the depot’s C4ISR Finishing Center so that all major assets and components may go through the refinishing process. With work being done both on-post at Tobyhanna and on the road, leadership must perform a careful balancing act to ensure all work is getting done in accordance with customer expectations.

As depot artisans travel and hold a presence in shipyards across the globe, word of their quality of work has spread. The workmanship began speaking for itself and before long, TYAD began to take on the Navy’s Sea Sparrow, a ship-borne anti-missile weapon system, as well. On a Navy ship, the Sea Sparrow acts as a first line of defense, constantly scanning for incoming fire and reacting accordingly. The RAM Launcher acts as a second line of defense, and then finally, what is known as a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) stands ready for nearby threats. Looking into the future, TYAD hopes to be able to provide support to the entire breadth of defense options found about Navy ships.

Bartleson added that even in adverse conditions, the dedication of the teams ensures each mission is a success.

“The RAM MDM teams contribute to the sustainment and growth of the RAM program by traveling around the United States and [the world,] working in varying conditions such as rain, snow, cold, and heat,” said Bartleson. “They keep the mission moving forward.”

Stacey Taylor is a Supervisory Production Controller within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. She said the depot’s interservice capabilities, benefit not just Tobyhanna, but our nation’s warfighters.

“The Navy’s RAM workload plays a vital role in shipboard air defense, safeguarding surface warships against a range of threats such as aircraft, missiles, and small vessels. Over the past 3 years, the demand for this capability has significantly increased, making it essential to deliver these assets promptly and as scheduled,” said Taylor. “This is particularly crucial for ensuring the readiness of our warfighters now more than ever. Tobyhanna Army Depot takes immense pride in its operations and is committed to fostering strong relationships with our Navy customers.”

TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the armed forces and industry partners.

Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.

About 3,300 personnel are employed by Tobyhanna. While the organization’s headquarters is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna’s worldwide workforce includes employees in 43 fixed locations across the globe.

Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.