In preparing for safe ordnance handling, which condition must be established?

Establishing Material Condition ZEBRA is essential for safe ordnance handling because it represents the highest level of readiness and safety in a naval ship's damage control procedures. Under this condition, all watertight doors, hatches, and other openings are closed to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, or flooding, which is crucial when handling potentially hazardous materials like ordnance.

In the context of ordnance handling, one of the primary concerns is to minimize the risk of accidental explosions or accidental discharge by maintaining a safe environment. Material Condition ZEBRA helps to ensure that the area is secured against external threats and possible hazards, including fire, and creates a controlled environment for the personnel involved in ordnance operations.

While conditions like "No smoking in the area," "Material Condition YELLOW," and having "All personnel wearing vests" promote safety, they do not provide the comprehensive and rigorous protective measures that Material Condition ZEBRA does. Material Condition YELLOW, for example, indicates a less stringent state that allows for certain accessibility and exposure, which isn’t ideal when handling ordnance.