A life saved ... unexpectedly

Staff Sgt. Eric Eberhard kneels in front of a joint explosive ordnance disposal rapid response vehicle Dec. 17 at Forward Operating Base Gardez, Afghanistan. Sergeant Eberhard's quick reactions allowed him to save the life of the leader of his three-person EOD team after an improvised explosive device detonated near them Dec. 7. He is a Salt Lake City native deployed from the 419th Civil Engineer Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Josh Jasper)

379th Explosive Ordnance Disposal keeps AOR units running

Chief Master Sgts. John O'Brien (left) and Suzanne Phillips, from the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, are briefed by Tech. Sgt. David Fitzgerald of the 379th ECES's explosive ordnance disposal branch about how EOD Airmen perform their duties and what their mission is here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo)

Explosive Scare at Nellis AFB Was False Alarm

It turned out to be a false alarm, but it generated a lot of concern and commotion at Nellis Air Force Base after a bomb scare Monday.

Traffic on Las Vegas Blvd. cleared up quickly shortly after noon.

Photo: A construction truck tries to enter the base and from there a bomb-sniffing dog accidentally creates a chaotic day.

Sergeant awarded Combat Action Medal

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons and Air Armament Center commander, awards Staff Sgt. Ryan Otero the Air Force Combat Action Medal Nov. 20, for his actions while deployed to Iraq. Sergeant Otero is assigned to the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Airman awarded Combat Action Medal

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons and Air Armament Center commander, awards Senior Airman Aaron Jones the Air Force Combat Action Medal Nov. 20, for his actions while deployed to Iraq. Airman Jones is assigned to the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Destroying enemy plans

SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Carlos Sanchez, 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, shows a pressure wire once planted by insurgents, but now serves as a visual example of improvised explosive device-making materials in the unit’s “IED graveyard.” The wires are wound and bound to complete an electrical circuit with pressure, such as from a foot or a vehicle tire, setting off an explosion designed to maim or kill its victims. Sergeant Sanchez is part of a team of EOD technicians serving at Sather AB, Baghdad, Iraq. He is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey)

EOD sergeant receives Bronze Star Medal

Then Tech. Sgt. David Larriva patrols for bombs and unexploded ordnance in Baqubah, Iraq, during his deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Now a master sergeant, he received a Bronze Star Medal for his work while deployed. (Courtesy photo)

EOD sergeant receives Bronze Star Medal

Col. Bryan Gallagher (left), 95th Air Base Wing commander, pins the Bronze Star Medal to Master Sgt. David Larriva. Sergeant Larriva received the award for his efforts during a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Edward Cannon)

Wounded Warrior: Air Force family helps Purple Heart recipient, wife

Staff Sgt. Matthew Slaydon prior to the attack which robbed him of his sight and one arm -- plus a multitude of facial lacerations and a collapsed lung. Sergeant Slaydon was on a six-month deployment as an explosive ordnance disposal technician when on Oct. 24, 2007, an IED detonated 2 feet from his face. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Senior Master Sgt. Eddie Dominguez)

Airmen visit schools as part of Air Force Week Atlanta

Senior Airman Matt Halstead an explosive ordinance device technician from the 94th Civil Engineering Squadron, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., demonstrates EOD equipment to Josh Shoemaker Oct. 10 during an Air Force Week Atlanta event at Etowah High School in Woodstock, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

KUDOS offers a fun, educational view of deployments

Staff Sgt. Richard Dula, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordinance Disposal flight, helps a deployer suit up during the Kids Understanding Deployment Operations event Oct. 3. During the event, children, ages 18 and younger, also viewed demonstrations from the 60th CES fire department and the 60th Medical Operations Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Candy Knight)

POW/MIA ceremony

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- An Airman, a Soldier, a Sailor and a Marine from the Navy School Explosive Ordnance Disposal saves a ceremonial seat for armed forces members who are still missing in action during the Prisoner of War Missing in Action Recognition Day ceremony Sept. 21 at the Air Force Armament Museum. The tradition of setting the table is to symbolize "you are not forgotten." (U.S. Air Force photo by Mike Fleck)

EOD participates in exercise

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.-- Member of vandenbergs explosive ordnance demolition team prepare to inspect a van during an exercise Sept. 12. The entire base participated in the exercise that tested its ability to react to a terrorist attack.(Air Force Photo courtesy of 30th Inspector General Office)

Small rewards program results in big explosion

by Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

9/7/2007 - MEHTAR LAM, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- A small rewards program led to a big explosion as explosive ordnance disposal Airmen detonated more than 900 pounds of munitions turned in by local Afghans Sept. 1 near Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam.

The detonation destroyed mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, rockets, bullets and other bomb-making materials, all which were turned in by Afghans who discovered the items in their fields, homes or in village weapon caches.

"The locals are pretty tolerant about these detonations," said Tech. Sgt. Alan Powell, the EOD superintendent at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, home to the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team. "They are all about getting rid of these things, out of their villages and off the roads."

The small rewards program, which has been in existence for about two years, allows Afghans to turn in weapons and munitions for a cash reward and no penalties. The program is just part of the Laghman PRT's mission, which serves to provide international aid to the area via reconstruction projects, humanitarian aid delivery, and security backed by national and coalition forces. They are also responsible for disarming and demobilizing militia forces and terrorist activity throughout the region with the help of the locals.

"The money is a motivation, of course," said Master Sgt. Robert Wagner, a small rewards program pay agent and PRT civil engineer specialist deployed from Davis-Montham Air Force Base, Ariz. "But the Afghans are also tired of the violence. It was really bad before this program -- people getting hurt or killed, kids losing their limbs."

Every time a weapon is given to the PRT, it is inspected and documented by the EOD Airmen, who then go out once a month and detonate the items. With security provided by infantry Soldiers, a team of EOD Airmen and volunteers from the PRT drive out to the nearby mountains and prepare the detonation site.

"It's a little like a three-ring circus sometimes, with so much to keep in mind," Sergeant Powell said. "There's security, and keeping the locals who come out to watch at a safe distance, the safety of your people, making sure everyone is paying attention and handling the items correctly. It takes a lot of teamwork to get this all accomplished."

The munitions are carefully stacked like a sort of layer-cake, with C-4 explosives packed in between the layers to ensure a complete detonation, a process that can take hours depending on the amount of munitions. Once everything is wired and ready to go, the Airmen and Soldiers drive out to a safe distance and, with the push of a button, watch the munitions go up in smoke.

It's just another part of a mission that keeps them very busy, Sergeant Powell said. The EOD Airmen spend the majority of their time dismantling roadside bombs or other explosive devices that are reported to the FOB.

"We are one of the busiest EOD teams in Afghanistan," he said. "It really doesn't make any sense, though. Considering that we are not on any border, we don't have the biggest population of people, the roads are not very good for transportation ... there's just no rhyme or reason as to why all the ordnance is here."

Unfortunately, the PRT has become all too familiar with that threat. One of the team's Soldiers, Army Sgt. Charles Browning, an infantry security specialist, was killed June 1 when his Humvee rolled over an improvised explosive device. The other vehicle passengers also suffered injuries and had to be evacuated.

That incident, and the potential for others like it, motivates the Airmen and Soldiers here to continue to seek out and destroy dangerous material throughout the region, Sergeant Powell said.

"Every time we do this, we're making this province a little safer for all of us," he said.

Photos 1-9
An Air Force explosive ordnance disposal specialist readies ammunition for a controlled detonation Sept. 1 at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan. Nearly 900 pounds of small arms ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars were turned in by provincial citizens. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)

Photo 10
Senior Airman Andrew Krueger prepares to push the button that will set off a controlled detonation Sept. 1 in Afghanistan. Approximately 900 pounds of small arms ammunition, rocket propelled grenades and mortars were turned in by provincial citizens under the small arms for rewards program. Airman Krueger is an explosive ordnance specialist assigned to Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)

Photo 11
A controlled detonation is conducted Sept. 1 near Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan. Nearly 900 pounds of small arms ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars were turned in by provincial citizens under the small arms for rewards program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)

Bronze Star

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, presents the Bronze Star to Staff Sgt. Adam Ginett, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader, in the EOD training room Aug. 28. Sergeant Ginett received the Bronze Star for his meritorious service during several operations and taskings in deployed locations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Holly MacDonald)

Bronze Star

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, 20th Fighter Wing command chief, congratulates Staff Sgt. Adam Ginett, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader, for receiving the Bronze Star Medal in the EOD training room Aug. 28. Sergeant Ginnet received the Bronze Star for his service during several operations and taskings in deployed locations. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Holly MacDonald)

Bronze Star

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Adam Ginett, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team leader, stands at attention beside Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, as his Bronze Star Medal citation is read in the EOD training room Aug. 28. Sergeant Ginett received the Bronze Star for his service during several operations and taskings in deployed locations. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Holly MacDonald)

Operation Heroes deploys to FarFarAwayIstan

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – Staff Sgt. Jason Heise, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, instructs children how to operate an explosive ordnance disposal robot at Dock 9 here during Operation Heroes Aug. 25. Operation Heroes was a virtual deployment for military children and spouses, giving them the opportunity to see what parents and spouses go through prior to and during a deployment. Over 250 military family members attended the event. (U.S. Air Force photo Senior Airman Stacey Moless)

'300' Airmen provide world-class base defense

Brig. Gen. Charlie Lyon (left) watches as a 64th Air Expeditionary Group explosive ordnance disposal robot prepares to enter a building to defuse a simulted improvised explosive device during a base exercise Aug. 20 at a foward deployed location in Southwest Asia. General Lyon is the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Teresa Sullivan)

Ali-EOD

Army Soldiers hook up a HUMVEE to tow it away after a simulated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation Aug 15 during IED recognition training at Ali Air Base, Iraq. Ali's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team helps prepare Army personnel for convoy duty by taking them through IED lane teaching them recognition and evasion techniques to help save their lives on the road. Ali's EOD team also serves another vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

Ali-EOD

An Army Soldier stands by his his HUMVEE after securing the area and inspecting the vehicle for damage from a simulated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation Aug 15 during IED recognition training at Ali Air Base, Iraq. Ali's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team helps prepare Army personnel for convoy duty by taking them through IED lane teaching them recognition and evasion techniques to help save their lives on the road. Ali's EOD team also serves another vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

Ali-EOD

A wire leads to a hidden simulated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) laying by the side of the road Aug 15 during IED recognition training at Ali Air Base, Iraq. Ali's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team helps prepare Army personnel for convoy duty by taking them through IED lane teaching them recognition and evasion techniques to help save their lives on the road. The EOD team also serves a vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

Ali-EOD

A simulated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) lays by the side of the road Aug 15 during recognition training at Ali Air Base, Iraq. Ali's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team helps prepare Army personnel for convoy duty by taking them through IED lane teaching them recognition and evasion techniques to help save their lives on the road. The EOD team also serves a vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

Ali-EOD

Staff Sgt. Valerie Sharpe prepares a detonator Aug 15 during Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training at Ali Air Base, Iraq. Sgt. Sharpe is a member of 407th Civil Engineering Squadron's Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, which serves a vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base as well as training Army convoys on (IED) recognition. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

Disposal by controlled detonation

A fire cloud erupts at Ali Air Base, Iraq, as a load of C-4 explosives blow up Aug. 10 during a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons. The 407th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team disposes of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordnance and trains convoy people to recognize improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Robert Valenca)

Ali-EOD

Senior Airman Jonathan Sheridan detonates C-4 explosives Aug 10 during a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons at Ali Air Base, Iraq. Airman Sheridan is a member of the 407th Civil Engineering Squadron's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, which serves a vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base as well as training Army convoys on Improvised Explosive Device recognition. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

Ali-EOD

Tech Sgt. Gavin Sinclair prepares a shape charge of C-4 explosives Aug. 10 at Ali Air Base, Iraq, for a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons. Sergeant Sinclair is a member of the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team. The team disposes of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordnance and trains convoy people to recognize improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Robert Valenca)

Ali-EOD

Tech Sgt. Gavin Sinclair prepares a shape charge of C-4 explosives Aug. 10 at Ali Air Base, Iraq, for a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons. Sergeant Sinclair is a member of the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team. The team disposes of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordnance and trains convoy people to recognize improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Robert Valenca)

Ali-EOD

Senior Airman Aaron Carroll prepares C-4 explosives Aug. 10 for a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons on Ali Air Base, Iraq. Airman Carroll is a member of the 407th Civil Engineering Squadron's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, which serves a vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base as well as training Army convoys on Improvised Explosive Device recognition. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

Ali-EOD

Staff Sgt. Anthony Pousen observes as Senior Airman Jonathan Sheridan prepares C-4 explosives Aug. 10 at Ali Air Base, Iraq, for a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons. The Airmen are assigned to the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team. The team disposes of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordnance and trains convoy people to recognize improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Robert Valenca)

Ali-EOD

Senior Airmen Jonathan Sheridan (left) and Aaron Carroll prepare C-4 explosives Aug. 10 at Ali Air Base, Iraq, for a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons. The Airmen are assigned to the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team. The team disposes of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordnance and trains convoy people to recognize improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Robert Valenca)

Ali-EOD

Senior Airmen Jonathan Sheridan (from left) and Aaron Carroll and Staff Sgt. Valerie Sharpe prepare C-4 explosives Aug. 10 at Ali Air Base, Iraq, for a controlled detonation of confiscated weapons. The Airmen are assigned to the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team. The team disposes of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordnance and trains convoy people to recognize improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Robert Valenca)

Ali-EOD

Senior Airman Jonathan Sheridan performs an unexploded ordnance sweep Aug. 9 on the flightline of Ali Air Base, Iraq. Airman Sheridan is a member of the 407th Civil Engineering Squadron's Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, which serves a vital wartime mission disposing of confiscated weapons and unexploded ordinance found around the base as well as training U.S. Army convoys on Improvised Explosive Device recognition. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Valenca) (Releaseable)

'Bomb Squad' uses tools, intelligence to battle terrorism

An explosive ordnance technician stacks blocks of military high-explosive during a demonstration Aug. 1 at the Grand Bay Range at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The EOD technicians train constantly to maintain proficiency in defusing unexploded munitions and improvised explosive devices both here and overseas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres)

'Bomb Squad' uses tools, intelligence to battle terrorism

Senior Airman Justin Voorhees operates the manipulator arm on a bomb disposal robot Aug. 1 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Robots allow technicians to survey dangerous devices from a much safer distance. In the past, EOD technicians needed to put on a protective suit and visually inspect them. Airman Voorhees is an explosive ordnance technician assigned to the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres)

EOD gets 'charge' out of rocket

BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Iraq – Tech. Sgt. Michael Becker (left), 447th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, explains how he will destroy a 107mm rocket (right) and a 130mm improvised projectile with C-4. Chief Master Sgt. Cary Hatzinger, 447th Air Expeditionary Group superintendent, looks on from the left. The job is part of an effort to destroy munitions used by insurgents to make improvised explosive devices and rockets, used against friendly forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke)

EOD earn Army Achievement Medal

Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel stand at attention before they are awarded the Army Achievement Medal from Army Lt. Col. Alberto Gonzalez, 1-158 Infantry commander for Mehtar Lam for their quick and decisive actions while responding to an IED that exploded on a military convoy that killed one soldier and injured four others June 1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Robert Ricci)

New communications platform helps EOD save lives, time

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Salisbury checks the input and output cables from a very small aperture terminal's satellite dish July 11 in Southwest Asia. Sergeant Salisbury is assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler)

Air Force Week in St. Louis - July 2-6

Tech. Sgt. Neil Jones (left) and Senior Airman David Gerig adjust the helmet of an explosive ordnance disposal bomb suit for 7-year-old Joe Trout during his visit July 2 to the Saint Louis Science Center. EOD technicians were on hand at the center for the kickoff of Air Force Week being celebrated in St. Louis, this week. The Airmen are assigned to the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Service dog aids Fairchild family member

Kimberly Hawks walks with her 14-month-old son, Jeremy, and medical alert dog Zeuss June 22 at Miller Park at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. She is married to Staff Sgt. Jeremy Haks of the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance unit, and they're expecting their second child in August. Ms. Hawks is in the process of training Zeuss for his medical alert duties, which include retrieving medications, waking Ms. Hawks up and callin gher attention to medical situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias)

EOD puts munitions out with a bang

This is the explosion as the 755th Expeditionary Explosive Ordnance Disposal detonation team disposes of over 1,000 pounds of stored munitions, mines, and weapons caches at a controlled detonation outside of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 13. (photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

EOD puts munitions out with a bang

This is the explosion as the 755th Expeditionary Explosive Ordnance Disposal detonation team disposes of over 1,000 pounds of stored munitions, mines, and weapons caches at a controlled detonation outside of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 13. (photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

EOD puts munitions out with a bang

Senior Airman Kelly Zimmerman, 755th Expeditionary Explosive Ordnance Disposal team member, prepares the remote detonation controls for the disposal of over 1,000 pounds of stored munitions, mines and weapons caches at a controlled detonation outside Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 13. (photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

Ever so carefully...

Staff Sgt. Rick Palmar carefully places C-4 explosives on top of more than 1,000 pounds of captured munitions for a controlled detonation outside of Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

EOD puts munitions out with a bang

Staff Sgt. Rick Palmar, 755th Expeditionary Explosive Ordnance Disposal assistant team lead, helps unload and arrange more than 1,000 pounds of stored mines, munitions and weapons caches for a controlled detonation outside Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 13. (photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

Solemn service

A tribute is displayed during a memorial service honoring Senior Airman William Newman at the base chapel June 13 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Airman Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces near Mishna, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Solemn service

A tribute is displayed during a memorial service honoring Senior Airman William Newman at the base chapel June 13 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Airman Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces near Mishna, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Solemn service

A bugler plays "Taps" during a memorial service honoring Senior Airman William Newman at the base chapel June 13 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Airman Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces near Mishna, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Solemn service

Members of the Honor Guard wait to fire a 21-gun salute during a memorial service honoring Senior Airman William Newman at the base chapel June 13 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Airman Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces near Mishna, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Solemn service

Master Sgt. Debra Jamison sings "Amazing Grace" during a memorial service for Senior Airman William Newman at the base chapel June 13 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Airman Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces near Mishna, Iraq. Sergeant Jamison is a vocalist with the Band of the Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Solemn service

Chaplain (Maj.) Dave DePinho reads the scripture during a memorial service honoring Senior Airman William Newman at the base chapel June 13 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Airman Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces near Mishna, Iraq. Chaplain DePinho is with the 15th Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Solemn service

The Honor Guard posts the colors at a memorial service honoring Senior Airman William Newman at the base chapel June 13 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Airman Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces near Mishna, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Balad honors fallen EOD Airman

Senior Airman William N. Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, is shown in an undated photo at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Newman, 23, assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed June 7 by an improvised explosive device, which detonated while he was supporting Army and Iraqi security forces south of the base. (Courtesy photo)

Operation Iraqi Freedom

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Airmen from the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight perform a controlled detonation here June 9. They detonated about 50 pounds of flares and enemy ordnance. The EOD Airmen perform control detonations to destroy munitions they recovery from enemy weapons caches, amnesty boxes on base, U.S. munitions that have passed the expiration date and unexploded ordnance they recover from indirect fire attacks against the base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins)

Exercise tests fast-response unit's capabilities

Air Force members jump from a C-130 Hercules June 2 during an airdrop in support of the weeklong exercise Operation Hydra. The Airmen consist of firefighters from the 99th Civil Engineering Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., explosive ordinance disposal members from the 1st Civil Engineering Squadron at Langley AFB, Va., and members from the 823rd Red Horse Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Operation Hydra provides realistic training scenarios, exercising the 615th Contingency Response Wing's ability to conduct expeditionary mobility operations at three locations. The wing is practicing its "open an air base" concept while maintaining command and control of in-theater operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sarayuth Pinthong)

EOD NCO earns 506 AEG Diamond Sharp Award

Staff Sgt. Mesa Anderson receives the 506th Air Expeditionary Group Diamond Sharp Award from Col. Douglas Tucker, 506 AEG commander (left) and Senior Master Sgt. Larry Talvy, 506 AEG first sergeant. Sergeant Anderson, a Montrose, Colo. native, is an Explosive Ordinance Disposal journeyman deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin Allen)

455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadrons clears barriers

Senior Master Sgt. William Eaton (right), 755th Air Expeditionary Group explosive ordnance disposal, gives a safety briefing to the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, prior to continuing with the tear down of barriers in Camp Cunningham at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan May 23. One of the safety risks involved in clearing the barriers is the possibility of uncovering unexploded ordnance. The barriers are being torn down to clear an area for the relocation of B-Huts making way for the newer, sturdier relocatable living quarters for the Airmen here. (photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

Airmen honored for service

Airmen from the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Flight received medals May 14 in recognition of their service while deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Shaw heroes

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C.-- Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, presents Staff Sgt. Scott Ackeret, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, a Bronze Star May 11 in hangar 1200 during a commander's call. The bronze star is awarded to servicemembers who distinguished themself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Sergeant Ackeret received the medal for his excellence as an EOD team leader, while deployed to Iraq. He ensured the safety of more than 16,000 coalition forces, multinational contractors and local nationals. He also executed more than 105 combat missions under the threat of insurgent attacks to exploit, render-safe, recover and destroy improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance. His team conducted over 25 counter-insurgent IED search and destroy combat missions along critical supply routes. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class William Coleman)

Shaw heroes

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C.-- Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, presents Staff Sgt. Joshua Milligan, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, a Bronze Star May 11 in hangar 1200 during a commander's call. The bronze star is awarded to servicemembers who distinguished them self by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Sergeant Milligan received the medal for his excellence as an EOD team leader, while deployed to Iraq. His leadership was critical to the successful implementation of U.S. Central Command’s counter insurgent operations as well as ensured freedom of movement throughout areas of operation. Sergeant Milligan ensured the safety of more than 16,000 coalition forces, multinational contractors and local nationals. He also executed more than 100 combat missions under the threat of insurgent attacks to exploit, render-safe, recover and destroy improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Davis)

Airman saves four lives, earns Soldier's Medal

Col. Michael Bartley awards Staff Sgt. Scott White with the U.S Army Soldier's Medal May 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Sergeant White is an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron's EOD Flight. Colonel Bartley is the 99th Air Base Wing commander. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nadine Barclay)

Base tour

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A student from Velva High School, Velva, N.D., tries on an explosive bomb disposal suit during a base tour here May 9. The suit, state-of-the-art protective body armor, is specifically designed to protect explosive ordnance disposal members while disposing of ballistic material. The base offers tours to the public to familiarize visitors with the activities and missions of the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Space Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo Stefan Bocchino)

Photo 1
Hot shrapnel flies hundreds of feet in the air when the Vandenberg’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team detonated an equivalent of 400 pounds of explosives April 26. Viewers stayed safe 3,000 feet from the explosion and the hazardous flying shrapnel, composed of propellant and hot metal fragments. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler)

Photo 2
Connecting 250 pounds of C-4 together, Senior Airman Anthony Pascoe prepares for a large explosive operation at Vandenberg April 26. Explosive Ordnance Disposal, a unit of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, disposed of explosive Titan II and Titan IV rocket components.

Photo 3
Staff Sgt. Robert Brown prepares C-4 charge at Vandenberg before placing it in the detonation pit along with explosive staging motors and components of Titan II and Titan IV rockets April 25. The 250 pounds of C-4 combined with the explosive power of the rocket components resulted in a 400 pound explosion. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler)

Photo 4
Packing a detonation pit with ordnance for disposal, Staff Sgt. Lindsay Brendan and Staff Sgt. Robert Brown move a Titan IV staging motor at Vandenberg April 25. 30th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians used 500 pounds of C-4 to destroy two caches of various rocket material including Titan II pressure cartridges, linear explosive assemblies and detonators. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler)

Photo 5
With a Titan IV explosive detonator component in his right hand, Staff Sgt. Robert Brown explains how much explosive it will take to destroy the 4-inch steel cap at Vandenberg April 25. Two explosions, at a combined 800 pounds of explosive power, destroyed rocket material from the deactivated Titan II and Titan IV programs. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler)

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

by Capt. Chrissy Cuttita
Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Lt. Gen. Donald Wetekam presents an American flag to Senior Airman Elizabeth Loncki's father, Stephen Loncki, and her fiance`, Staff Sgt. Jayson Johnson during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal's 38th Annual Memorial Service held April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman EOD Training Complex in Fla. Airman Loncki was killed Jan. 7 while responding to an improvised explosive device near Baghdad, Iraq. General Wetekam is the deputy chief of staff for Installations and Logistics Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bruce P. Hoffman)

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Inman and Maj. Eric Bollinger salute the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal's 38th Annual Memorial Service April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman EOD Training Complex in Florida. Airmen added to the memorial this year were Capt. Kermit O. Evans, Master Sgt. Brad A. Clemmons, Tech. Sgt. Walter M. Moss, Tech. Sgt. Timothy R. Weiner, Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki and Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bruce P. Hoffman)

Service members honored at EOD memorial

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Sara Dennis, the "adopted sister" to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John P. Phillips, gets an etching of his name on a blank sheet of paper during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal 38th Annual Memorial Service at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex April 21. Sergeant Phillips was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device attack near Fallujah, Iraq, March 7, 2006. Although he "tenaciously" fought for several months, he succumbed to his wounds Aug. 16, 2006. The ceremony memorialized 14 names of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have sacrificed their lives during EOD missions. Those names will bring the total to 215 names inscribed on the bronze tablets of the memorial. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)

Service members honored at EOD memorial

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Family and friends gather around the memorial after the ceremony during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal 38th Annual Memorial Service at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex April 21. The ceremony memorialized 14 names of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have sacrificed their lives during EOD missions. Those names will bring the total to 215 names inscribed on the bronze tablets of the memorial. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)

Service members honored at EOD memorial

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Marc Tarter and U.S Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Todd salute the wreath to honor the Marines whose names were added to the memorial during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal 38th Annual Memorial Service at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex April 21. Three Marines names were added to the bronze tablet of the memorial. The ceremony memorialized 14 names of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who have sacrificed their lives during EOD missions. Those names will bring the total to 215 names inscribed on the bronze tablets of the memorial. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)

Ordnance Airman awarded Bronze Star for Iraq duty

Waiting for Explosive Ordnance Disposal to confirm the scene is safe, Staff Sgt. Christopher Hawks (front left) and Master Sgt. Albert Schneider (front right), prepares to collect evidence and obtain pictures in Paliwoda, Iraq. The EOD team from Paliwoda and Sergeant Schneider's Weapons Intelligence Team had just arrived at the scene of two improvised explosive devices detonations targeting civilian vehicles on Main Supply Route Tampa. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Ordnance Airman awarded Bronze Star for Iraq duty

Waiting for Explosive Ordnance Disposal to confirm the scene is safe, Staff Sgt. Christopher Hawks (left) and Master Sgt. Albert Schneider (right), prepare to collect evidence and obtain pictures. The EOD team from Paliwoda, Iraq, and Sergeant Schneider's Weapons Intelligence Team had just arrived at the scene of two improvised explosive devices detonations targeting civilian vehicles on Main Supply Route Tampa. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Flightline night-MARE

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Senior Airman Robert Chaney , 96th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive Ordnance Disposal Team 1, takes a photograph of the explosive found on a C-130 during the major accident readiness exercise April 3. The MARE was in preparation for the 2007 Eglin Air Show April 14-15. There were two other incidents that tested Eglin Airmen's emergency response capabilities: a vehicle borne chemical weapon attack and a bomb threat on a C-130 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)

Operation Iraqi Freedom

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Charles Warner, near top of crater, and Senior Airman William Newman, both of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight, load explosives which have exceeded their shelf life in the crater for disposal at the controlled detonation range here. Sergeant Warner is deployed here from the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron's EOD Flight at Ramstein AB, Germany, and Airman Newman is deployed here from the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron's EOD Flight, Hickam AFB, Hawaii. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nathan Doza)

Operation Iraqi Freedom

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Robert Wester, of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight, uses a Robot Operations Control Unit to move a Talon 3 robot. The Talon 3 is used by EOD Airmen here to render safe Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs.) Airman Wester is deployed here from the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nathan Doza)

Ordnance disposal makes for no ordinary day

Senior Airman William Newman dons his protective equipment prior to an "outside the wire" mission April 3 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Airmen Newman is deployed from the Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. In background are Staff Sgt. Charles Warner and Staff Sgt. Tom Pilla both deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The Airmen are assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nathan Doza)

Operation Iraqi Freedom

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Senior Airman Stephen Ohge, of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight, mans a .50 caliber machine gun atop a massive Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV). The JERRV is a massive vehicle that allows EOD teams to safely travel to and from an incident site and allows them to vary operations in and around the vehicle during a call. Airman Ohge is deployed here from the 36th Civil Enginner Squadron EOD Flight, Anderson AFB, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nathan Doza)

Operation Iraqi Freedom

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- The Talon-3 is a robot that Air Force EOD Airmen use to respond to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs.) (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nathan Doza.)

Operation Iraqi Freedom

A joint explosive ordnance rapid response vehicle is shown at Balad Air Base, Iraq, April 3, 2007. The vehicle is a 45,000 pound vehicle that allows explosive ordnance disposal teams to safely travel to and from an incident site and allows them to work i nside the vehicle during a call. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Doza) (Released) (Released to Public)

SECAF visits Airmen at Kirkuk

Photo 1

Capt. Joshua Tyler, the explosive ordnance disposal flight commander, shows Secretary of the Air Force, Michael W. Wynne, a rocket that was used by insurgents in the city of Kirkuk just two days prior to the secretary's visit March 28 at Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bradley A. Lail)

Photo 2

Capt. Joshua Tyler, the explosive ordnance disposal flight commander, explains to the Secretary of the Air Force, Michael W. Wynne, March 28, how explosives are retrieved once discovered at Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bradley A. Lail)

Photo 3

Capt. Joshua Tyler, the explosive ordnance disposal flight commander, explains to the Secretary of the Air Force, Michael W. Wynne, March 28, the different types of unexploded ordnances and improvised explosive devices that they encounter on a regular basis at Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bradley A. Lail)

Air Force Week

Photo 1

Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Spradley listens as Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley meets with Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Airmen during breakfast. The chief visited during Air Force Week, a week-long event designed to thank the community for its support and to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and the professionalism of its Airmen. Sergeant Spradley is assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Photo 2

Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Spradley listens as Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley speaks during breakfast with Airmen at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., March 21. The chief visited during Air Force Week, a week-long event designed to thank the community for its support and increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and the professionalism of its Airmen. Sergeant Spradley is assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Air Force Week displays highlight airpower

Photo 1

Antonia Ortiz, age 6, and Teresa Ortiz, age 4, watch as an explosive ordnance disposal robot reaches down to retrieve a simulated bomb March 20. The display was part of Air Force Week at the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Photo 2

Antonia Ortiz, age 6, watches as an explosive ordnance disposal robot reaches down to retrieve a simulated bomb March 20. The display was part of Air Force Week at the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Photo 3

Tech. Sgt. Cary Gibson talks with Air Force Week visitors March 20 about how the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight from nearby Luke Air Force Base supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The display was part of Air Force Week activities in Phoenix. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Photo 4

Students from a local school check out one of the Air Force explosive ordnance disposal robots during a field trip to the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix. EOD specialists from nearby Luke Air Force Base brought the robot to help kick off Air Force Week in Phoenix. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)