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2005-12-30

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFMCNS)

Senior Airman John Broussard helps Airman 1st Class Nicholas Worthington, both from Explosive Ordnance Disposal, put on a bomb suit before investigating a suspicious bag in the East Fitness Center here. (Air Force photo)

2005-12-30

Operation Iraqi Freedom

SHAKARIA, Iraq (AFPN) -- Capt. Joshua Tyler (left) and Tech. Sgt. Brian Schilhabel secure an improvised explosive device. The IED was found along a road during a search of the area near a village here. The device had a bar-pressure plate linked to three 122 mm artillery shells. The inspection was part of the search-and-sweep operations by Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion of the 502nd Infantry Regiment. Captain Tyler and Sergeant Schilhabel are with the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Army Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Moses Sr.)

2005-12-30

Road search

SHAKARIA, Iraq -- Capt. Joshua Tyler, center, and Tech. Sgt. Brian Schilhabel, left, secure an improvised explosive device. Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment conducted the search. Captain Tyler and Sergeant Schilhabel are with the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Army photo by Army Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Moses Sr.)

2005-12-30

Operation Iraqi Freedom

SHAKARIA, Iraq (AFPN) -- Capt. Joshua Tyler secures an improvised explosive device. The IED was found along a road during a search of the area near a village here. The inspection was part of the search-and-sweep operations by Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion of the 502nd Infantry Regiment. Captain Tyler is with the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Army Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Moses Sr.)

2005-12-23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordnance disposal

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. John Carroll inspects a bomblet found in the sand near here. The bomblet is of U.S. design and most likely dates back to the first Gulf War. Sergeant Carroll is a 386th Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Campbell)

EOD TECHNICIANS - BUSIEST OUTSIDE OF IRAQ

by Staff Sgt Scott Campbell
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

12/26/2005 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- With more than 1,200 man-hours spent on reportable incidents and destroying 595 unexploded bomblets, mortars and various other threats, the wing here has the busiest explosive ordnance flight outside of Iraq, said explosive ordnance disposal flight chief Master Sgt. Chris Schott.

“The (first Gulf) war started 15 years ago and (unexploded ordnance) are still being found. The sands and time are exposing more every day,” said Staff Sgt. John Carroll, an 386th EOD technician

Sergeant Carroll said security forces recently found a bomblet that the Bedouins probably found and put on a rock so it would be seen. The team was dispatched to the scene to dispose of it and found others while there.

“(In this second type of ordnance found), there are 220 bomblets in a dispenser and we figure they have about a 10 percent dud rate. On top of that, who knows how many canisters they dropped? That’s a lot of bombs that didn’t go off,” Sergeant Carroll said, describing the hazards of working outside the base.

Sergeant Carroll said identification of the ordnance is also important. The EOD team has to positively identify them so they know what different safety precautions to take. It also lets them know how the ordnance functions so they have an idea why it didn’t go off. The submunitions found on this trip were U.S. munitions left over from Desert Storm.

Once identified, the technicians destroyed the bomblets with explosive and returned to base.

“A lot of folks never actually see what we do because it’s either on our range or outside the wire, which causes lots of misconceptions about our mission,” Sergeant Schott said.

In addition to disposing of munitions from yesteryear, EOD swept more than 542,000 square meters of land for future construction projects, trained U.S. military and local host nation security forces in ordnance procedures and responded to numerous aircraft-related ordnance hazards. In short, EOD members have to be ready for virtually anything involving an explosive hazard.

2005-12-23

Ordnance disposal

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. John Carroll and Senior Airman Gordon Hohman prepare charges to destroy submunitions found in the sand near here. The explosives found are of U.S. design and likely were dropped during the first Gulf War. Sergeant Carroll and Airman Hohman are 386th Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Campbell)

Big bangs destroy 2,000 munitions

11/16/2005 - ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight detonated 2,000 munitions, keeping them the out of the hands of insurgents.

It took four detonations to destroy the weapons, which members of the Iraqi national guard had captured. After each big bang, there was applause and smiles from the explosive ordnance disposal technicians who triggered the blasts.

“Every piece of ordnance destroyed today, is one less IED that can kill someone tomorrow,” one Airman said.

Some of the munitions blown up were as good as new and others were totally rusted, squadron officials said. That does not matter. Such munitions -- no matter their state -- are what insurgents most often use to make the improvised explosive devices they use against coalition forces, they said.

So squadron Airmen are engaged in a fight to keep munitions out of the hands of the bomb makers. At the heart of the battle is the core of EOD technicians, like those who work at this desert base.

The unit’s Airmen -- known as the “Smokin’ Monkeys” -- have removed and destroyed hundreds of munitions.

Iraqi Soldiers found the batch the Airmen destroyed in late October. The Iraqis then asked, through the base office of special investigation, the EOD flight to dispose of the cache. The squadron sent a two-person team to check out the site.

But before the EOD flight could act, it had to coordinate with Italian military officials at the base. The Italian military controls the area outside the base where the ordnance was found.

Capt. Brian Baumann, the EOD flight commander, set up a joint U.S.-Italian operation. In the end, EOD troop from both countries split the munitions and shared the workload.

The first part of the disposal process was ordnance identification.

“Bad things can happen when unlike ordnance items are mixed together and detonated,” the captain said.

The technicians avoided that, true to the EOD creed: “Initial success or total failure.”

The next challenge was to get the ordnance to the on-base disposal site safely. Senior Master Sgt. Joe Durkee, the flight chief, provided guidance and oversight throughout the logistical operation. EOD troop Master Sgt. Bill Courter took the initial lead on planning and resource coordination.

The first evaluation revealed that the Airmen would need logistics support, including six 40-foot tractor trailers, 16 volunteers, armored transport, 100 wooden pallets, a banding machine, a 10K forklift and two front-end loaders.

There was no one agency that could provide all those resources, the captain said. So the team turned elsewhere. That provided great opportunities to coordinate a large-scale operation between the Air Force, Army and coalition partners at a local level, he said.

EOD troop Staff Sgt. Ron White was the team chief for the transportation phase. In the end, the logistical support requirements were not as great. But there was still a need for armored transport for the 16 volunteers. The office of special investigations provided two up-armored SUVs.

Master Sgt. Ricky Melton, the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron’s assistant operations noncommissioned officer in charge, took care of the convoy portion of the plan. This allowed EOD to concentrate on explosive safety, ordnance identification and demolition planning, Captain Baumann said.

But organizers feared the operation might not go at all because, at show time, there were no 40-foot tractor trailers. Eventually they arrived and the convoy got rolling. At the site, the EOD troops loaded the munitions on the trucks and safely transported to Ali Base.

Then Staff Sgt. Richard Dula, team chief for the demolition operation, asked the squadron’s “Dirt Boyz” -- civil engineer troops -- to provide a front-end loader and 10K forklift.

The EOD team worked three hours setting up the four shots.

Distinguished visitors from the Army and Iraqi Guard and air force, joined 407th Air Expeditionary Group Commander Col. Don Palandech for the detonations.

An Iraqi general pushed the button to set off the first shot.

--Capt. Brian Baumann, Senior Master Sgt. Joe Durkee, Master Sgt. Bill Courter, Staff Sgts. Richard Dula and Ron White contributed to this article.

Big bang

IRAQ (AFPN) -- Volunteers move ordnance to Ali Base, Iraq, for disposal. Much of the ordnance was in poor condition and required careful ordnance identification and sorting before being palletized for transportation. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Big bang

IRAQ (AFPN) -- Airman 1st Class Jorge Fernandez (left), Staff Sgt. Zach Terry and other volunteers move ordnance to Ali Base, Iraq. Both Airmen are assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andrew C. Ferrell)

2005-11-14

Big bang

IRAQ (AFPN) -- The first explosion of Operation Big Bang erupts as scheduled. Volunteers moved ordnance to Ali Base, Iraq, for disposal during Operation Big Bang. (U.S. Air Force photo)

2005-11-14

Big bang

IRAQ (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. Ron White gives direction to the volunteers who will help palletize ordnance for transportation to the explosive ordnance disposal site at Ali Base, Iraq. Sergeant White is assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo)

2005-11-14

Detection, deterrence

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Tech. Sgt. Anthony Blackmon and Staff Sgt. Lindsey Leitz help Airman 1st Class Mark Kinney suit up for an explosive ordnance disposal training mission. The Airmen are with the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit at this base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Webb)

2005-11-14

Detection, deterrence

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. Lindsey Leitz demonstrates how to use the explosive ordnance disposal Andros MK V robot. The remote-controlled bomb disposal unit uses devices to remotely open vehicles and pull items out of vehicles. Sergeant Leitz is with the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit at this base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Webb)

2005-11-10

Deployment exercise

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. Kevin Beasley fires his M-16 rifle during an exercise. The exercise on Nov. 10 trained Airman here on expeditionary combat skills before their Air and Space Expeditionary Force deployments. Sergeant Beasley is the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Christopher Boitz)

2005-10-18

Suspicious package

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Explosive ordnance troop Senior Airman Travis Eygabroad maneuvers a robot toward a suspicious package found at the base post office. Postal workers found the package during a routine scan of incoming mail. The Airman is with the 355th Civil Engineering Squadron (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Christina D. Ponte)

2005-10-18

Suspicious package

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Explosive ordnance troop Senior Airman Andrew LeBeau rides a Segway on his way to the base post office here, where a routine scan found a suspicious package. The Airman is with the 355th Civil Engineering Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christina D. Ponte)

2005-10-18

Suspicious package

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Senior Airman Travis Eygabroad (right), ensures Senior Airman Andrew LeBeau's equipment is good to go before the explosive ordnance troop checks a suspicious package. The package was at the base post office and found during a routine scan of incoming mail. Both Airmen are with the 355th Civil Engineering Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christina D. Ponte)

2005-10-15

Rocket science

BAGRAM FIELD, Afghanistan -- Army Sgt. Thomas Kio guides the loading of one of three 5,000-pound rockets onto a wrecker truck. Germany-based Soldiers joined members of the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight here in transporting the rockets from an old Soviet ammunition supply dump near here to a secure site for destruction. The Soldier is from 23rd Ordnance Company at Miesau, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald)

2005-10-15

Clearing the way

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman Sabrina Baker, an explosive ordnance disposal equipment troop, helps clear a path through a minefield. The Airman, is with the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight here. The EOD troops spent two months doing clearing the area near an old Soviet munitions supply dump. This allowed Soldiers from the 23rd Ordnance Company at Miesau, Germany, and 5th Maintenance Company at Kaiserslautern, Germany, to load three 5,000-pound rockets onto a wrecker Oct. 15 and take them to a secure site for disposal. Airman Baker deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald)

2005-10-11

By my mark

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Staff Sgt. Monty Woolam and Senior Airman Keith Green sight in a mark 24 for disposing of explosives. Sergeant Woolam and Airman Green are assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal unit and are deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Garza)

2005-10-11

By my mark

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Senior Airman Gordon Hohman sights in a mark to see the impact that it has with certain materials. He is assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Garza)

2005-10-07

 US Air Force (USAF) Master Sergeant (MSGT) Brett Rogers (second from right), 451st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit takes pictures of the exterior of an ammunition storage building located on an old Soviet Training Camp north of Kandahar City, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan (AFG). The 451st EOD is tasked with locating, securing, assessing, and either relocating or destroying any ammunition, ordnance, and weapons found in old caches during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: PFC LESLIE ANGULO, USA Date Shot: 7 Oct 2005

2005-10-07

 US Air Force (USAF) Master Sergeant (MSGT) Brett Rogers (front right) and other US military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel wait for US Army (USA) Sergeant first Class (SFC) Victor Fontan, 789th Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, to deliver the final count of the number of boxes of former Soviet (Russian) rockets stored in a cave located on an old Soviet Training Camp north of Kandahar City, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan (AFG). The 789th EOD is tasked with locating, securing, assessing, and either relocating or destroying any ammunition, ordnance, and weapons found in old caches during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: PFC LESLIE ANGULO, USA Date Shot: 7 Oct 2005

2005-10-07

 US Air Force (USAF) Master Sergeant (MSGT) Brett Rogers, 451st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), surveys the remains of an old Soviet Training Camp north of Kandahar City, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan (AFG). The 451st EOD is tasked with locating, securing, assessing, and either relocating or destroying any ammunition, ordnance, and weapons found in old caches during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: PFC LESLIE ANGULO, USA Date Shot: 7 Oct 2005

2005-10-07

 These are the remains of former Soviet (Russian) weapons systems found by the 451st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit at an old Soviet Training Camp north of Kandahar City, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan (AFG). The 451st EOD is tasked with locating, securing, assessing, and either relocating or destroying any ammunition, ordnance, and weapons found in old caches during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: PFC LESLIE ANGULO, USA Date Shot: 7 Oct 2005

2005-09-21

Explosive disposal

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq -- Explosive ordinance disposal techinicians dispose of improvised explosive devices Sept. 21. The technicians are assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristin Ruleau)

48th EOD Wins National Award

by 1st Lt. Carla Gleason
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/19/2005 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (USAFENS) -- “Full spectrum dominance, emergency response, counterterrorism support and support for national defense at home station and abroad,” describes just a portion of why the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight recently won the Air Force Association Citation of Honor.

Their achievements were recognized Air Force-wide when the flight was presented with the citation of honor award Sept. 12 in Washington D.C.

“Presenting this award to our 48th CES EOD Flight sets a new precedent for an award historically given to aviators, recognizing the significant impact of the Air Force’s mission support troops and their role in the Global War on Terrorism,” said Lt. Col. Roy Agustin, 48th CES commander.

The main mission of the EOD career field is to provide direct support to the aircraft and the airfield on an air base. EOD members “render objects safe,” which can range from detecting and investigating a bomb threat or suspicious package, to confiscating or detonating mortars, weapons or explosives, said Maj. Jerry D. Sanchez, 48th CES EOD flight commander.

“If we’re not doing our mission, we’re training to do our mission,” said Major Sanchez, who explained there are more than 2,000 technical orders each team member must stay proficient on in order to be an effective EOD flight member.

A team of 30 members from RAF Lakenheath cover explosive ordnance duties for eight bases, participates in secret service support, provides deployers for multiple operations in the War on Terror and trains and exercises extensively to stay current in their field.

“Whether at home station, during deployments or while providing security to the president and other dignitaries around the world, our warriors provided unparalleled EOD support critical to aerospace operations in all locations,” said Colonel Agustin. “Their efforts directly saved lives of coalition forces and civilians.”

“The biggest misconception about EOD is that we spend all of our time blowing stuff up,” said Senior Airman Louis B. Coduti, 48th CES EOD flight member. “That’s the easy part, and it’s such a small part of the job.”

Two of the 48th CES EOD Flight members who deployed together last year in support of the War on Terror experienced first-hand how valuable their skills could be out in the field.

“We were the first responders at one helicopter crash when we were able to travel to the site with the quick reaction team,” said Tech. Sgt. Kieran J. Flynn, 48th CES EOD flight NCO in charge of quality assurance, who deployed to Baghdad last year. “We were there to help render the area safe, but we were at the crash so early we were able to help put out fires and help the response team as well.”

Air Force-wide, EOD is credited with saving more than 11,000 coalition personnel from roadside bombs and other hazards during 2004.

“I’m glad we were there [in Baghdad] to help the Army security teams that are out in harms’ way all the time,” said Staff Sgt. Lindsay T. Leitz who deployed along side Sergeant Flynn. “Because they were patrolling specific routes, they were targets and they didn’t get to go back to the safety of the base. It was a good feeling to be able to help ensure their routes were safe.”

According to Airman Coduti, EOD offers specialized knowledge that is valuable not only is support of aerospace support, but directly in the field of operation at deployed locations.

“When we deploy, we bring our knowledge of aircraft and air munitions to help support everyone, not only the Air Force. I am proud to be part of that kind of support.”

2005-09-15

Blasting cap

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Staff Sgt. David Baker, right, shows Senior Airman Amber East, left, how to put a blasting cap into some C4 plastic explosive. The C4 is placed on ammunition to be destroyed at the range here. They are assigned to the 451st Air Expeditionary Group (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andre' Reynolds)

US Air Force (USAF) Senior Airman (SRA) Amber East (left), and USAF Staff Sergeant (SSGT) David Baker, both Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians attached to the US Air Force (USAF) 451st Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), attach blasting cap into blocks of C4 plastic explosives in preparation for a disposal detonation for stacks of 2.75 rocket warheads, on the Range at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: SGT ANDRE` REYNOLDS, USA Date Shot: 15 Sep 2005

2005-09-15

 A stack of 2.75 rocket warheads, laced with 7.62mm ammunition rounds blocks of C4 plastic explosives in preparation for a disposal detonation, conducted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians attached to the US Air Force (USAF) 451st Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), on the Range at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: SGT ANDRE` REYNOLDS, USA Date Shot: 15 Sep 2005

2005-09-15

 US Air Force (USAF) Senior Airman (SRA) Santiago Lampon, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, 451st Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), attach blasting caps into blocks of C4 plastic explosives in preparation for a disposal detonation for stacks of 2.75 rocket warheads, on the Range at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: SGT ANDRE` REYNOLDS, USA Date Shot: 15 Sep 2005

2005-09-15

 US Air Force (USAF) Senior Airman (SRA) David A. Gerig, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, 451st Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), checks the NX22, a device used to detonate explosives, in preparation for a disposal detonation for stacks of 2.75 rocket warheads, on the Range at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: SGT ANDRE` REYNOLDS, USA Date Shot: 15 Sep 2005

2005-09-15

 A plume of smoke rises into the air as US Air Force (USAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians assigned to the 451st Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), detonate explosives, on the Range at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, during Operation ENDURING (Released to Public)

DoD photo by: SGT ANDRE` REYNOLDS, USA Date Shot: 15 Sep 2005

2005-09-13

CENTCOM command chief: Knowledge, actions have far reach

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airman 1st Class Joshua Mills (right) explains the capabilities of an explosive ordnance disposal robot to Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Brownhill, the command chief for U.S. Central Command. The chief is touring bases in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Airman Mills is assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at a forward-deployed location and is from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. J.J. Rodriguez)

2005-08-18

Detector

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Senior Airman Gregory Talley uses a Vallon metal detector to search for mines or any other ordnance at a simulated weapons cache during readiness training recently. Airman Talley is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan A. Summers)

2005-08-12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purple Hearts awarded to Air Force civil engineers

By Dewey Mitchell
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) -- It ranks as one of the most dangerous jobs in the Air Force during peacetime, but even more so during a war: explosive ordnance disposal, or EOD.

Maj. Matthew Conlan and Staff Sgt. Christopher Ramakka were on an EOD mission June 17 to clear an old Soviet munitions area about 20 kilometers north of Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, when a landmine exploded under the feet of Sergeant Ramakka. Major Conlan was only a few feet behind him.

Both received major blast injuries and were awarded the Purple Heart medal Aug. 12 by the Air Force’s top civil engineer, Maj. Gen. Dean Fox, as colleagues, friends and families watched.

Major Conlan, commander of the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Bagram AB, was leading a group of seven civil engineers that included four EOD professionals. They were accompanied by military police and civil engineers from the Army.

The site, occupied by a small Afghan National Army unit, had a number of bunkers filled with munitions. Scattered around the area were old unexpended ordnance items such as mortar rounds and munitions dispensers.

“We began clearance operations of the scattered items, securing those large enough to fashion into improvised explosive devices,” said Major Conlan.

The EOD team leader noted that farther down the mountain was a marked landmine area, but they were well outside the marked area.

“Sergeant Ramakka had knelt down to check an old artillery round to see if it was live,” said Major Conlan. “After he determined that it was not live, he picked up an old RPG booster that he had found earlier, stood and took one step toward another row of artillery entrenchments. That’s when the landmine detonated.”

The explosion amputated Sergeant Ramakka’s left foot, and he had severe blast injuries to his right leg and hands. The blast severely injured both of Major Conlan’s legs, and he received moderate blast injuries to his hands and face.

They were transported by air-evac helicopters to the 249th Field Hospital at Bagram AB. Two days later they were transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany.

Four days after the incident, June 21, Sergeant Ramakka arrived at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. Major Conlan came to Wilford Hall two days after Sergeant Ramakka had arrived. They had received continuous medical treatment since immediately after the blast.

Sergeant Ramakka was discharged from Wilford Hall on July 6 and is currently an outpatient at Brooke Army Medical Center. Major Conlan was discharged from Wilford Hall July 11 and is currently an outpatient of Wilford Hall. Both are assigned to the Patient Squadron at Wilford Hall.

 

2005-08-06

Airmen partner with Soldiers to explode excess ordnance

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen with the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron inspect a crater after detonation to ensure no unexploded ordnance remains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Desiree Hayden)

2005-08-06

Airmen partner with Soldiers to explode excess ordnance

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Staff Sgt. Douglas Frey arranges the last of the ordnance set for disposal. The ordnance has to be arranged ensuring explosive-to-explosive contact. Any empty pockets could result in ordnance scattered across the range. Sergeant Frey is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at a forward-deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Desiree Hayden)

2005-07-28

EOD Airmen rely on high-tech, raw nerves

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen with the 407th Air Expeditionary Group monitor the progress of a robot as it slowly moves in to investigate a suspicious package found unattended on base. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Lek Mateo)

2005-07-28

EOD Airmen rely on high-tech, raw nerves

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Master Sgt. Thomas Carroll checks with the rest of his team by radio as they prepare to send a robot to investigate a suspicious package found unattended on base. He is an explosive ordnance disposal team chief with the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Lek Mateo)

2005-07-28

EOD Airmen rely on high-tech, raw nerves

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Ian Wise installs an explosive cartridge into the firing attachment of a robot before it investigates a suspicious package found unattended on base. He is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Lek Mateo)

2005-07-26

Cache in hand

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bamburg kneels next to munitions discovered in a weapons cache outside of the city perimeter of Kirkuk. These types of weapons are used by insurgents to make improvised explosive devices. Sergeant Bamberg is an explosive ordnance disposal specialist with the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Shelton)

2005-07-25

Civilian director accepted to Harvard

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Brian Lally rides a Segway used by explosive ordnance disposal teams. He was recently selected to attend Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government through an Air Force development program for senior civilian managers. He is the executive director of the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael A. Ward)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 DEFUSING THE ENEMY (AIRMAN MAGAZINE - FALL 2005)

by Tech. Sgt. Jason Tudor
photos by Master Sgt. Scott Wagers

The thumbtacks number in the hundreds. Blue. Yellow. Red. Green. White. They cover a large white map of Baghdad’s southwest side like some creation Picasso might have made on a child’s Lite-Brite toy.

Red tacks are the favorite for dirty, worn thumbs that must press them into the map. Each time a member of the Air Force explosive ordnance disposal team at Sather Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq, pushes one in, it means they destroyed another Improvised Explosive Device that could have potentially killed someone.

The yellow (unexploded ordnance), white (weapon caches) and blue tacks — representing an EOD response where nothing was found — are just as important. A red tack with a black top means something’s already exploded.

Using a variety of high-tech equipment, special clothing and training, the 12 members of the EOD team have dealt with 62 IEDs and 1,685 UXOs in just 90 days. They’ve destroyed almost 54,000 small arms and a van packed with about 700 pounds of explosives.

Given the danger of their mission, Tech. Sgt. Michael Lenfesty said there’s no place he’d rather be working.

“ This is the culmination of all of our training in our EOD career,” said the EOD craftsman.
The work is “feast or famine,” he said. Some days there are no calls. On others there may be eight or nine.

“ We’re not typical emergency responders, but we do respond to certain emergencies,” the sergeant added.

The team’s area of response includes the Baghdad International Airport complex plus a chunk of land outside the wire that amounts to an area about twice the size of Washington, D.C. They are among few Airmen at Sather who go outside the base perimeter. Within minutes of receiving a call, the EOD team suits up with 45 pounds of extra gear and roll out in their armored vehicles. They may respond to a simple call like picking up an unexploded rocket or may spend more than four hours disarming a roadside IED. All the while, looking for additional hidden explosives set to specifically kill EOD responders.

Inside the wire and the 447th Air Expeditionary Group, people like Senior Airman Nicole Gonzalez are EOD’s eyes and ears. Airman Gonzalez is part of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group readiness team, who teaches others how to spot UXOs. Her team frequently uses all-terrain vehicles to conduct searches throughout the base. She’s been close — too close — to the action three times so far, she said.

“ We were pouring cement for a tent and all of a sudden, a UXO rolled out. We thought it was a rock. Then, we went, ‘Whoa!’ and realized it wasn’t a rock,” she said. “We cleared the area and called EOD. They made it safe, but it was a live one.”

Explosive ordnance disposal practitioners know their work isn’t an exact science. Even their technical orders shout, “good luck!”

One order reads: “There is no “safe” procedure for rendering safe and disposal, merely a procedure which is considered least dangerous.”

Another more tongue-in-cheek phrase says that: “EOD is a science of vague assumptions based on debatable data taken from inconclusive experiments with instruments of problematic accuracy by persons of questionable mentality.”

While ambiguity appears to abound, all the EOD troops agree they’re happy to be doing their work in the “real world.” Senior Airman Mike Credidio, who’s been disarming explosives for a year and a half, said the hands-on work is amazing.

“ It’s a rush. It’s always a rush. We actually get to do our job here,” he said. The job changes every day, so “the enemy is constantly changing how they set up IEDs for us and we keep changing with them, and beating them every time.”

Almost gone are the days where a human has to walk up to an explosive to render it useless. Now, technicians use a herd of robots. The larger robots are actually used to view and disarm a bomb, using metal claws, shotguns and other means.

EOD has turned toys into tools. Radio-controlled off-road vehicles formerly raced as hobbies have turned into couriers. The senior airman said the “Bomb Bots” carry tools or other items to the larger robots during an incident.

At the end of each day, colored thumbtacks will continue to be pressed into the map. However, Sergeant Lenfesty said, the goal is to ensure, regardless of what color is added, everyone involved is safe.

“ When we pull up to a roadside bomb, past a convoy of troops that’s three miles long, take care of the threat and make sure those people are safe, that’s what matters,” he said.

2005-07-20

 Senior Airman Mike Credidio uses a thermal imaging sensor to spot potential Improvised Explosive Devices before team members move forward to conduct a more extensive search on foot.

2005-07-20

 Senior Airman Mike Credidio holds a Russian Sabot kinetic energy weapon found during a search of a field suspected of serving as a launch site.

2005-07-20

 C4 explosives are used to destroy ordnance.

2005-07-20

 After C4 explosives are used to destroy ordnance, a group of Airmen from Sather Air Base, Iraq view the blast site.

2005-07-07

Blown

AL SHAHABI, Iraq -- A U.S. Air Force explosive ordnance disposal team blows up weapons and contraband that was found during Operation Cobra Strike. The operation was an Iraqi led mission to search for weapons and contraband in an area with suspected insurgent activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Suzanne M. Day)

2005-06-24

Initial success or total failure; no in between for EOD

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- A van loaded with C-4 explodes as part of a firepower demonstration at a forward-deployed location. Airmen with the 40th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal flight participated in the demonstration along with security forces Airmen and British royal marines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)

2005-06-24

Ready, aim, fire

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- A van loaded with C-4 explodes during a firepower demonstration June 24 at a forward-deployed location. The demonstration involved the British Royal Marines, and U.S. Air Force security forces and explosive ordnance disposal Airmen deployed with the 40th Air Expeditionary Group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)

2005-06-24

Initial success or total failure; no in between for EOD

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- Senior Airman Bambi Brown sets caps and a detonation cord in preparation for a firepower demonstration at a forward-deployed location. She is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 40th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and is deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)

2005-06-24

Initial success or total failure; no in between for EOD

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- Senior Airmen Steven Cayton prepares a detonation cord for a firepower demonstration at a forward-deployed location. He is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 40th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and is deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)

2005-06-14

EOD Airmen work to keep Kandahar safe

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman David Gerig assembles a remote fire device before a controlled detonation here. He is assigned to the 451st Air Expeditionary Group's explosive ordnance disposal flight and is deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Skyberg)

2005-06-14

EOD Airmen work to keep Kandahar safe

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman Eric Benbrooks places C-4 explosives on a pile of recovered munitions found in the area in preparation for a controlled detonation. He is assigned to the 451st Air Expeditionary Group's explosive ordnance disposal flight and is deployed from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Skyberg)

2005-06-14

EOD Airmen work to keep Kandahar safe

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Staff Sgt. Dave Baker dons a bomb suit before investigation an explosive device in southern Afghanistan. Senior Airman Charles Hodge helps adjust the suit. The Airmen are assigned to the 451st Air Expeditionary Group's explosive ordnance disposal flight. Sergeant Baker is deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Airman Hodge is deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Skyberg)

2005-06-03

Explosive line

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- (From left) Staff Sgt. Ray Pomeroy, Airman 1st Class Jeremy Pye and Senior Airman Nathan Jones prepare C-4 explosives with detonation cords and blasting caps during ordnance disposal operations at a forward-deployed location. They are assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer's Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight and are deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Al Gerloff)

2005-06-03

Explosive line

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Staff Sgt. Ray Pomeroy places C-4 explosives on hazardous items marked for disposal at a forward-deployed location. He is assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer's Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight and is deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Al Gerloff)

2005-06-01

Robots, Airmen work together to defuse unexploded ordnance

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Staff Sgts. Clay Sigler (left) and Robert Butler unload a robot from the back of a Humvee here. Two small robots can be loaded into the vehicle and taken on a call. The Airmen are 332nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shaun Emery)

2005-06-01

Robots, Airmen work together to defuse unexploded ordnance

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Robert Butler points out the damage an explosive can cause on an explosive ordnance disposal robot. He is a 332nd EOD technician here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tim Beckham)

2005-05-03

War games

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Senior Airman Dan Solon fires at opposing forces during a training exercise here. The three-day exercise included training on first aid, convoys and map reading to help prepare Airmen for deployment. Airman Solon is assigned to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Demetrius Lester)

2005 May

AETC Torch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLISTER AGENT

Chemical in WWI-era shell injures three Airmen

Suspected blister agent in a World War I-era shell found near Bridgeville, Del., injured three members of a military explosives disposal team at Dover Air Force Base, Del., July 24, 2004, prompting an investigation by the Army’s chemical weapon center in Maryland.

The three active-duty service members reported undisclosed symptoms a day after they encountered a “black, tar-like substance” while attempting to open the corroded ammunition with a small explosive charge, according to a base statement. One of the three was hospitalized in stable condition at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

“World War I was when they were using and experimenting with various chemical agents,” said George Mercer, spokesman for the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. “My understanding is that the people from the Air Force who were doing this either had burns or blisters.”

Delaware State Police had asked the base to dispose of the round after a trooper spotted it protruding from a clamshell driveway. The officer was on an unrelated call near Bridgeville, Cpl. Helen Zane said, and was unaware of the munitions full nature.

Air Force officials issued a prepared statement when asked about the incident. They declined to name the injured service members or give details on their injuries or conditions, citing privacy laws. Two of those involved were identified as staff sergeants, one a technical sergeant.

“We have an interest in learning what was in the shell,’’ said Maj. Cheryl Law, public information officer for the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover. “We decontaminated the area thoroughly, and there is no danger to the public whatsoever.’’

Karen Drewen, a spokeswoman for the Army’s non-stockpile chemical demilitarization program at Aberdeen, said other agencies, including the Army or Army Corps of Engineers, may investigate to determine whether other risks remain. The three team members, assigned to the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at Dover, were initially seen at Kent General. Two were treated for minor injuries and released.

The Army Guardian Brigade at Aberdeen dispatched experts to investigate and identify the 75mm-style projectile, which had been placed in a sealed container after the leak. The group took soil samples for further tests.

“Munitions are found from World Wars I and II in places where we may not expect them,” said Cathy Kropp, a spokeswoman for the brigade’s Technical Escort Unit. “Our agency is kept very busy, and we only respond to chemical and biological weapons.”

Drewen said the shell remains in a safe location at Dover, awaiting disposal. Plans are under way to send a trailer-mounted portable unit, called the Explosive Destruction System, to handle the device. The system breaks apart individual munitions with explosions and then agitates the fragments with a neutralizing chemical.

Nearly 100 explosive devices were found in Sussex County driveways between February and April alone, according to state police. Investigators believed the explosives were moved around by a hauler who sold clamshells taken from a processing plant in Milford. Clamshells are a common driveway covering in parts of the state. Recent discoveries have included 14 hand grenades found at a poultry farm in Laurel and an 8-inch-long finned item resembling a rocket. Base officials cautioned that anyone finding an unusual or suspicious object should notify civilian law enforcement authorities immediately.

2005-04-29

AFRL robots work to counter bomb threats

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- An airborne all-purpose remote transport system clears an area of unexploded ordnance here. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen use the systems to safely and effectively clear ranges while staying out of harm's way. (U.S. Air Force photo)

2005-04-13

BOOM!

TIKRIT AIRFIELD, Iraq -- Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen and U.S. Army Soldiers detonate unexploded ordnance that was found here April 13. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Albert Eaddy)

2005-04-13

Blowing up the spot

TIKRIT AIRFIELD, Iraq -- An explosive ordnance disposal Airman and a U.S. Army Soldier prepare a charge to detonate unexploded ordnance that was found here April 13. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Albert Eaddy)

2005-04-12

Airman finds, destroys UXO

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Staff Sgts. Jason Wilburn, Joseph Leslie and Brad Ferguson prepare to detonate a Russian-made bomb that was discovered by an Airman at a construction site at a forward-deployed location. They are assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

2005-04-02

Having a blast

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen ignite more than 9,000 pounds of explosives. The Airmen are assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at nearby Kirkuk Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Lohr)

2005-04-02

Having a blast

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen place C-4 explosives on weapon casings here. Including the munitions shown, there were 9,000 pounds of explosives destroyed in a recent detonation. The Airmen are is assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at nearby Kirkuk Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Lohr)

2005-04-02

Having a blast

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Senior Airman James Fitzgerald laces C-4 explosives to a rocket motor preparing it for disposal. He is an explosive ordnance disposal Airman assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at nearby Kirkuk Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Lohr)

2005-04-02

Having a blast

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Master Sgt. Kevin Johnson guides a Russian-made incendiary bomb into a disposal pit. The munition will be laced with C-4 explosives and detonated. He is an explosive ordnance disposal Airman assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at nearby Kirkuk Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Lohr)

2005-04-02

Having a blast

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Mark Gostomski places grenades in a pit for disposal while Senior Airman Angela Olguin stacks the items. The Airmen are explosives ordnance disposal specialists assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at nearby Kirkuk Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Lohr)

2005-04-02

Having a blast

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Brandon Koebbe uses a 10-ton forklift to move a rocket motor into a disposal pit while Master Sgt. Kevin Johnson guides him. Including the rocket motor, 9,000 pounds of explosives were disposed of in the detonation. The Airmen are explosive ordnance disposal specialists assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at nearby Kirkuk Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Lohr)

2005-04-01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EOD protects people from explosive hazards

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- A controlled detonation eliminates unexploded ordnance found in the area. Airmen of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit destroy items weekly. (U.S. Air Force photo)

by Senior Airman Colleen Wronek
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

4/11/2005 - BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Putting their lives on the line, sweating in heavy bomb suits, lugging cumbersome equipment, working with robots and occasionally blowing things up is all part of the job for Airmen with the explosive ordnance disposal unit here.

“I enjoy my job. I get to blow stuff up,” said Senior Airman Chris Johnson, 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron EOD technician. “I save peoples lives every day. … The danger aspect of my job is exciting.”

The Airmen’s mission here is to protect servicemembers from unexploded munitions found both on and off base.

“We’re here to disarm or dispose of explosives,” Airman Johnson said. “We render safe and destroy unexploded ordnances (and) improvised explosive devices, and we destroy weapons caches.”

If unexploded munitions are found, Airman Johnson said people should identify them as hazards, mark them with something to avoid getting closer to them, clear the area and report them. He also said not to use a hand-held radio within 25 feet or a vehicle radio within 50 feet of the ordinance.

“We took over the Army EOD mission,” said Airman 1st Class Isaiah Schaff, a squadron EOD technician. “We used to have just the airfield, but now we take any call within the area.”

The Airmen get called off base several times a day for suspected improvised explosive devices, weapons caches and random unexploded ordnance.

“After the IED has been disabled or disposed of, we send the components to experts who look for fingerprints and other terrorist cell identifiers to see who’s building them,” Airman Johnson said.

Some of the tools the Airmen use include explosives, bomb suits and robots.

Airman Johnson said the bomb suit is made of Kevlar to withstand a blast and bomb fragments.

“The robot can do a lot of things that would normally put us in mortal danger. It can disassemble IEDs, and because it has a camera attached to it, we can use it for reconnaissance and searching the area,” he said.

Each week, the Airmen conduct controlled detonations.

“A lot of times we’ll find (unexploded ordnance) days after an alarm red, and we’ll also dispose of them,” Airman Johnson said. “One time we were on a demolition operation on our range, and we found an unexploded rocket.”

Although the Airmen put their lives at risk every day, they said their families understand the importance of their job.

“We are protecting our people from explosive hazards,” Airman Schaff said. “If we don’t … people will die.”

2005-04-01

EOD protects people from explosive hazards

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Isaiah Schaff shows what common unexploded ordnance looks like. He is a 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colleen Wronek)

2005-04-01

EOD protects people from explosive hazards

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Senior Airman Chris Johnson demonstrates how "Angela" works by having the robot hold C4 explosives. He is a 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician here. The robots can disassemble improvised explosive devices and perform reconnaissance by searching the area for more hazards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colleen Wronek)

2005-03-28

Suited up

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Bomb protection suits and robots are tools of the trade for explosive ordnance disposal technicians when dealing with unexploded devices. Senior Airman Guillen Hugo is assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael A. Ward)

2005-03-23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AF File Photo

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Staff Sgt. Phillip Hauser stands next to the new Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal vehicle he helped design. This vehicle will serve as the benchmark for all Air Force EOD vehicles. Sergeant Hauser is an EOD technician with the 22nd Civil Engineering Squadron here. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Ashley Conner)

Airman designs new EOD Vehicle

by 2nd Lt. Ashley Conner
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/31/2005 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFPN) -- An Airman here designed an explosive ordnance disposal vehicle that will serve as an Air Force benchmark.

The original design was drawn on the back of a napkin by Staff Sgt. Phillip Hauser with the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron here and Air Force officials have purchased more than 30 of the $274,000 vehicles.

Sergeant Hauser worked with the vehicle’s manufacturer to ensure the smallest details were in place.

In the old vehicles, “there was never enough room for all the equipment. The new vehicle has much more space for equipment and room to work in,” Sergeant Hauser said.

“It is more efficient and professional,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff Schrader, another squadron EOD technician. “In the past we would show up on the scene in a multipurpose van and our gear was held together with bungee cords and rubber bands. It was like a clown car.”

The 38,000-pound truck runs on an 8cylinder Mercedes-Benz engine and is equipped with doors on either side to allow an EOD robot to exit with ease. The new design also features closed-in quartz lights strategically placed in the side of the vehicle, four halogen lights atop the truck and a light tower that extends 25.

“In the past we would be sitting in the dark in the middle of nowhere with a little (flashlight) trying to see what we were doing,” Sergeant Hauser said. “After 10 years of being an EOD tech, I knew what needed to be changed.”

The truck also is equipped with automatic tire chains, a lined explosive compartment as well as TV and infrared cameras that can project images to screens inside the truck.

Sergeant Hauser said he helped with every detail of the vehicle with insight from the Orlando Bomb Squad.

The bomb squad had a similar vehicle made and, “they were able to give us advice and tell us what worked and what didn’t,” Sergeant Hauser said.

2005-03-17

Kadena children get deployment experience

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. David Baker (right) helps Jeffery Gary put on protective gear for disarming a bomb as part of an Operation Kids Understanding Deployment Operations event March 12. More than 320 children participated in the event to learn more about how their military parents deploy. Sergeant Baker is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron. Jeffery is the son of Master Sgt. Kevin Gary of the 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mercedes McAlister)

2005-02-16

Parwan villages receive emergency relief from Bagram Soldiers, Airmen

SALANG DISTRICT, Afghanistan -- Staff Sgt. Robert Whitehurst, part of a team delivering humanitarian aid to snow-bound villages, receives a box of supplies being unloaded from a relief truck here to pass along a human supply chain. Sergeant Whitehurst is assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Catie Hague)

2005-02-11

Suiting up

With assistance from Master Sgt. Michael Korbely, Master Sgt. Derald Ortloff suits up in an explosive ordinance disposal (EOD-8) bomb suit. Moments after this photo was taken Sgt. Ortloff entered a building on Homestead ARB to examine and dispose of a suspicious package. Fortunately for all involved, the suspicious package was a briefcase that contained nothing more lethal than paperwork (U.S. Air Force Reserve photo by Jake Shaw).

2005-01-27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EOD AIRMEN DESTROY EXPLOSIVES

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- More than 1,000 pounds of explosives light up the sky near here Jan. 23, as 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen destroy everything from small arms, aircraft ammunition and rockets, to Howitzer casings, large projectiles, rifle grenades and anti-tank mines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Catie Hague)

by Capt. Catie Hague
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1/27/2005 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- Heat, shock and friction were key ingredients in the controlled detonation of more than 1,000 pounds of explosives Jan. 23.

The 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal Airmen spent close to six hours, three miles off base, preparing for a less-than-one-second blast, officials said.

“Most of what we destroyed was old ammo” said Senior Airman Kristie Timberlake, an EOD technician, “explosives that people found throughout Afghanistan or those collected by the Office of Special Investigations. There’s a safe holding location on Bagram where all kinds of munitions are stored; once we collect enough, the team travels out to the range and blows ‘em up.”

The unexploded ordnance destroyed included everything from small arms, aircraft ammunition and rockets, to Howitzer casings, large projectiles, rifle grenades and anti-tank mines.

“The most important thing to consider in any disposal operation next to safety, is the continuity of the explosives,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Whitehurst, the EOD team chief. “You want each block of demolition explosive [C-4] to be touching another block, so when the wave comes off the first initiation point, it successively initiates the next.

“Experience has taught us how to efficiently and effectively get the job done in the least amount of time, while destroying the most amount of munitions and using a minimum amount of demolition explosives,” he said.

In this case, the most powerful explosives were placed on top, while the next layer contained what is known as “brisance” explosives, he said.

“These (explosives) cut, separate and destroy every other explosive underneath -- the exact reason why we placed the (unexploded ordnance), mostly scrap metal, on the bottom,” Sergeant Whitehurst said.

In the end, a sensitized detonating cord was used to initiate the blast, he said.

The EOD Airmen protect people and property here against all explosively driven threats -- anything that could present a hazard to coalition forces deployed here, Sergeant Whitehurst said.

Afghanistan has the second largest cache of foreign weapons in the world, next to Iraq, he said.

“Our technicians are brought in to destroy them and deal with threats ... that put our military personnel in danger,” Sergeant Whitehurst said.

Simply, the EOD mission comes down to “initial success or total failure,” he said.

2005-01-27

EOD Airmen destroy explosives

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- Unexploded ordnance destroyed by the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal Airmen on Jan. 23 included everything from small arms, aircraft ammunitions and rockets, to Howitzer casings, large projectiles, rifle grenades and anti-tank mines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Catie Hague)

2005-01-05

Armed and ready

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- Senior Airman Nathan V. Jones guards his position with a .50 caliber weapon during required training at a forward-deployed location Jan. 5. Airman Jones is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lakisha Croley)