What was a contributing factor to the catastrophic ordnance incident involving an Mk 24 aircraft parachute flare aboard the USS Oriskany in 1966?

The incident involving an Mk 24 aircraft parachute flare aboard the USS Oriskany in 1966 was significantly influenced by a lack of training among the crew members. In situations involving munitions and pyrotechnics, proper training is crucial for ensuring that personnel understand how to handle, deploy, and react to such equipment safely. A deficiency in training can lead to incorrect procedures being followed or critical safety protocols being ignored, which can escalate into a catastrophic event like the one experienced on the USS Oriskany.

When crew members are not properly prepared, the likelihood of accidents increases, especially in high-stakes environments where the risk of explosive ordnance is present. This incident highlighted the importance of comprehensive training to mitigate risks related to ordnance handling and the overall operational safety of military personnel.