EOD flight opens new explosives range
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 96th Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight opened a new technique range here Feb. 23 to enhance their training and readiness.
The new explosives range, located behind the west gate shopette and near EOD headquarters building, includes a 25 x25-foot explosives bunker and a 500-foot safety radius. The bunker is rated for two and a half pounds of explosives. The proximity to the flight makes training in the area convenient.
Master Sgt. Michael Pereira explained the nearly two-year process to authorize, build and certify the range for use. The project was initiated in July 2015.
“We were at the point where we were only getting range time once every four to five months to practice the more specialized detonation and explosive techniques,” said Pereira. “This area allows our Airmen to work on explosives twice a month or more.”
The person instrumental in getting the Pro Range going was Master Sgt. Joshua Crowley, who is now teaching at the EOD preliminary course at Shepherd AFB, Texas. After several meetings, interference checks and approvals, the Department of Defense gave its approval in May 2016.
In the past, EOD had more opportunity to use the range for demolition and detonation techniques. As Eglin’s range grew busier with high priority mission requirements, training time became more difficult to schedule.
“With the range set up as it is now, we have about three sites we can use,” said Pereira. “But in order for us to use those sites, we have to corner off a large safety zone. The new bunker allows us to make the same size explosion with a lot less land area.”
The EOD leadership looks forward to using the range to increase training, as well as bring in other EOD experts from across military and civilian agencies to share techniques and best practices.
While this range will not be open to students at the Navy EOD school, it will help Airmen stationed here keep their skills current and regularly practiced.