EODMU 5 Maintains Mission Readiness

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, U.S. Naval Forces, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

June 18, 2010 - SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 technicians underwent chemical response certification June 14 on U.S. Naval Base Guam to ensure readiness for deployment.

The eight-Sailor team consisted of members of Platoon 512, one of three EODMU 5 detachments that keep the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility safe and accessible by countering mines and other potentially hazardous explosive devices.

"The certification process ensures that everyone going out on deployment has the knowledge and the skills necessary to defeat whatever threat we may come up against in a mission," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class (EWS) Kyle Dewey, of EODMU 5, who evaluated the team. "Each of the deploying teams gets certified regularly, but training on these types of evolutions goes on constantly to make sure everyone knows their part in the process of neutralizing an explosive and ensuring safety, both for themselves and the people in the surrounding area."

The team tested its skills and knowledge of chemical response procedures. During the evolution, Platoon 512 responded to a possible chemical bomb threat. The team made the initial assessment of the area, determined the contaminated zone, neutralized the chemicals on the explosive, and prepped it for transportation to a facility where it could be appropriately disposed.

Throughout the evolution, platoon members also had to use safety gear and safety procedures to ensure chemical agents were properly handled within the contaminated area.

According to Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EWS/SW/AW) Mark Morgan, of Platoon 512, training and certification evolutions are based on real-life scenarios.

"As a chief, it's my job to ensure that we're working as one unit when we're responding to a threat," Morgan said. "That's why getting certified is so important because it means we all know what our specific roles are from beginning to end. In a real-life mission, there's not a lot of wiggle room for doubt or hesitation. Each member of the team needs to know what they're doing in whatever situation we're in."

Navy EOD units have contributed significantly to joint and coalition forces' efforts in Iraq. Many members of these units have already completed at least one deployment to the region and expect to return for follow-on tours.

"Prior to teams going on deployment, they'll be certified in various mission-related requirements," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class (EWS) Bryan Bates, of EODMU 5, who also evaluated the team.

EOD experts disarm mines, booby traps and other improvised explosive devices. They can also tackle the challenges of chemical, radiological and biological threats. Training is paramount for all EOD professionals.

Navy EOD is the world's premier combat forces for countering improvised explosive devices, weapons of mass destruction, and other types of ordnance. Navy EOD technicians and divers are frequently first responders, enabling access for further combat operations.