BH 26-1: 18th CES EOD clear the way

Photo By Airman Nathaniel Jackson | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cody Fain, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team member, prepares to place C-4 on simulated unexploded ordnance during a mass mechanical clearance exercise in support of base-wide operational readiness exercise BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025. The training focused on rapidly removing submunitions from the runway to return the airfield to full operational capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathaniel Jackson)  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.05.2025

Story by Airman Nathaniel Jackson 

18th Wing

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force explosive ordnance disposal Airmen assigned to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a mass mechanical clearance training exercise in support of base-wide operational readiness exercise BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025.

The training simulated rapid removal of submunitions from a runway to restore flight operations following an attack. Using a mass mechanical clearance vehicle, EOD teams maneuvered across the runway to displace or detonate simulated unexploded ordnance, its reinforced blade shielding the operator from fragmentation. After the sweep, technicians advanced to neutralize any remaining hazards with C-4 explosives, ensuring the airfield was safe and ready to support flight operations.

“This exercise is vital in allowing us to rapidly return aircraft to the air and get the airfield back in the fight,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Hile, 18th CES EOD section chief of operations and training. “It’s a more advanced exercise we’ve refined over the past few years to enhance our effectiveness and overall mission readiness.”

The drill emphasized coordination, timing, and precision as teams worked to clear the airfield safely and efficiently while minimizing potential damage to infrastructure.

“Our team works vigilantly to clear the airfield safely and efficiently while causing as little damage as possible,” said Senior Airman Cody Fain, 18th CES EOD team member. “Every second we save getting the runway operational again helps the wing project airpower across the Indo-Pacific and stay ready for any threat.”

Exercises like BH 26-1 validate Kadena Air Base’s ability to sustain combat operations, strengthen regional deterrence, and ensure the 18th Wing remains ready to defend a free and open Indo-Pacific.

• Date Taken: 11.05.2025
• Date Posted: 11.14.2025 02:10
• Story ID: 550687
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP