MCAS Beaufort EOD ready at all times

Photo By Cpl. Jonah Lovy | Marines monitor and guide a remote controlled robot to the site of a simulated Improvised Explosive Device during training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort April 19. Marines need to be prepared for real world scenarios to arise that require their expertise. Disposing of ordnance is a vital contribution to the Marine Corps mission success. The Marines are technicians with EOD.  

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

04.22.2016

Story by Cpl. Jonah Lovy 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Wing Support Squadron -273 Explosive Ordnance Disposal conducted training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort April 18-22.
The 5-day evolution was conducted to train and prepare the air station’s EOD personnel to an elevated standard in their ability to neutralize Improvised Explosive Devices and support intelligence operations. The training was the culminating event for the EOD technicians aboard the air station.
“These Marines have been training for three months on the range and in the classroom to prepare for this training cycle,” said Master Sgt. Shaun Donahue, the Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge for MWSS-273 EOD. “This is their final event for this area of training.”
Marines need to be prepared for real world scenarios which require their expertise. Mitigating and disposing of explosive hazards is a vital contribution to the Marine Corps’ mission success.
“The training we are conducting is designed to simulate real world situations where EOD Marines would need to be called in,” said Donahue. “Some of the scenarios are based on operations overseas and in combat areas. We also have scenarios for stateside bomb threats for Marines to train on.”
The Marines being evaluated were part of a 3-day simulationthat took place at different sites around Fightertown. The purpose was to keep the training as close as possible to a real world crisis.
“Today we are trying to keep the training realistic,” said Donahue. “There are several stations set up around the base for Marines to complete. When a team shows up at a station we present them with a scenario exactly like one they would encounter in the real world. They have to respond quickly and effectively with no guidance from the instructors.”
Safety was key while the technicians operated around live explosives. Any detonation during the simulations was executed using extreme caution to minimize any possible danger to the Marines.
“On this range, we are using small various explosives to simulate enemy ordnance,” said Donahue. “The detonations are controlled and safe for the Marines involved.”
The EOD units provide a vital role to the Marine Corps. Marines must constantly train to maintain their readiness and hone their specialized skills.
“These Marines need to be ready for deployment at any time both overseas and here at home,” said Donahue. “The training is continuous to make sure they are prepared for any given situation.”

• Date Taken: 04.22.2016
• Date Posted: 04.22.2016 15:14
• Story ID: 196277
• Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US