Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1, KNF Forces conclude explosive ordnance disposal exercise EAGER RESPONSE 18

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Louis Rojas | 180109-N-XE158-0008 Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base, KUWAIT (Jan. 9, 2018) Mineman 2nd Class Dylan Duncan, assigned to Commander, Task Group 56.1, demonstrates pre-mission checks on an unmanned underwater vehicle to Kuwait Naval Force explosive ordnance disposal technicians during a training evolution as part of exercise Eager Response 18. Eager Response 18 is a bilateral explosive ordnance disposal military exercise between the State of Kuwait and the United States. The exercise fortifies military-to-military relationships between the Kuwait Naval Force and U.S. Navy, advances the operational capabilities of Kuwaiti and U.S. forces to operate in the maritime domain, and enhances interoperability and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Louis Rojas/Released)  

KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, KUWAIT

01.21.2018

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Louis Rojas 

Fleet Combat Camera Pacific

The bilateral exchange began January 7 and featured sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1 assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1 to participate in diving operations, mine response, underwater (UW) search tactics, and UW demolition operations.

This maritime explosive ordnance disposal diving exercise provided an opportunity for the two nations to share knowledge and experiences to enhance mutual maritime capabilities and interoperability.

By training together, exercises like EAGER RESPONSE 18 allow U.S. and its regional partners to effectively develop the necessary skills to address threats to freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce.

“This year we primarily focused on EOD diving centric skills and using remote tools to broaden our capabilities. Eager Response is a great opportunity for us to work with our Kuwaiti partners on everything from mission planning down to exchange of EOD core skills.” said LTJG Jacob Shearman, of EODMU 1.

As a regional partner, Kuwait plays an important role in maintaining regional security. Together, we and other nations in the region support maritime security and prosperity.

“Working bilaterally with our partners abroad really solidifies the mine warfare effort. The technology is forever growing and evolving, so exercises such as Eager Response really helps us to share the latest and greatest.” Said Chief Petty Officer Niles Kelly.

Following completion, leadership from both forces congratulated their platoons for their progress, while also exchanging gifts and appreciation for their strengthened partnership as allied military forces.

“The Kuwaiti EOD have been generous hosts, clearly take pride in the exercise and making us feel welcome,” Sherman said. “This year’s exercise was a great success and we look forward to working with them more in the future”.

EAGER RESPONSE 18 is a routine theater security cooperation engagement and serves as an opportunity to strengthen tactical proficiency in critical mission areas and support long-term regional stability.

EODMU 1 provides operational explosive ordnance disposal capability for location and identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation, and disposal of all explosive ordnance including chemical and nuclear weapons across the globe.

CTG -56.1 conducts mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, salvage-diving and force protection operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

• Date Taken: 01.21.2018
• Date Posted: 01.22.2018 23:52
• Story ID: 262874
• Location: KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, KW