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On November 21, 2023, Marine Corps Base Hawaii Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
unveiled a new range behind their facility, giving EOD technicians a capability they have never
had before: the ability to qualify and train their Marines in their own backyard.
The EOD training standards are demanding and require monthly training. The high
operational tempo of EOD can add stress to the scheduling of Kaneohe Bay Range Training
Facility (KBRTF) and the other units that train there. The new and exclusive EOD demolition
range enables EOD Marines to efficiently complete many routine training ranges without having
to deconflict with other units.
“This new range will allow us to conduct our training more frequently and with less
restrictions because it is exclusive to EOD,” said U.S. Marine Corps CWO5 Peter “Misfire”
Scarlett, an EOD officer with Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Despite the range behind the EOD facility existing for around 7 years, it could only be
utilized as a tool range in the past. Now it is approved for higher detonations up to 1.25 pounds
by the Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board (DDESB). This change allows EOD
training to take place in a more efficient manner. “It dramatically increases our ability to train to
the standards laid out by NAVMAC 3500.66C,” said Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Bocksnick,
operations chief of Marine Corps Base Hawaii EOD. “The training and readiness standards are
on a 12-month cycle.” The continuous training is made possible not only by the new EOD range
but also by the many safety precautions put in place with personnel and aircraft in mind.
Over a period of 3 years, the DDESB has overseen development of the range to ensure
that safety regulations and site planning procedures were met. The safety precautions taken at the
EOD demolition range are extensive and prevent any interference with the airfield’s operation
tempo. Some of the limitations set in place to keep the range and surrounding area safe include a
1.25-pound explosive limit, fragmentation reduction, as well as implementing SACON, or shock
absorbing concrete. In addition, air sentries look up and out to make sure that aircrafts do not
enter the hazardous zone.
The new EOD range will allow Marines to train more efficiently through the proximity of
the range to the EOD facility, and not having to compete with other units for a time slot.
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2024 12:34 |
| Story ID: | 462779 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 154 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Specialized EOD demolition range on MCBH, by Sgt Christian Tofteroo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
