What should be done with CIWS 20mm rounds that have passed through the firing path of the gun but have not been fired?

The correct action to take with CIWS 20mm rounds that have passed through the firing path of the gun but have not been fired is to ensure they are thrown overboard. This procedure is in place because rounds that have been in the firing path may have been subjected to various conditions, potentially making them unsafe for future use. The rounds could be damaged or contaminated, leading to an unpredictable performance if fired at a later time.

Discarding them overboard ensures that they do not pose a safety hazard to personnel or equipment. Proper disposal methods are crucial in maintaining safety and readiness within naval operations, as reintroducing potentially compromised ammunition into the supply can create risks during future engagements.

Other options may seem viable at first glance, but they do not address the safety concerns associated with rounds that have been through the firing path. For instance, saving them for future use or returning them to storage could lead to dangerous situations if the integrity of the rounds is compromised. Destroying them on site is also impractical in this context, as disposal methods should be defined and regulated to prevent hazards.