The

United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...

formed the Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board (WSESRB) in 1968 as a result of the tragic

fire Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material (the fuel) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction Product (chemistry), products. At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition ...

on the USS ''Forrestal'' (CV-59). The subsequent investigation recommended an independent review process be established. The report highlighted the need to ensure explosives safety requirements are met for all munitions introduced to the Fleet. As a result, the WSESRB was established. WSESRB participate in numerous weapons system safety-related meetings, technical reviews, and working groups. The US Air Force and US Army have parallel boards to the Navy's WSESRB: the AF Nonnuclear Munitions Safety Board (NNMSB) and the Army Weapon Systems Safety Review Board (AWSSRB)

Areas reviewed by weapon boards include

Safety and suitability for use in the system's predicted logistic and operational environments *Hazard Classification *Insensitive Munitions *Final (Type) Qualification of Energetics *Lithium Battery Certification *Human Systems Integration NAVSEA
/ref>

References

DODI 5000.69. DoD Joint Services Weapon and Laser System Safety Review Processes, Nov 2011. {{authority control United States Navy organization Maritime safety organizations