Photo By Sgt. Samuel A. Nasso | Cpl. David A. Noe, a range coach with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron breaks a...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - “Fire in the hole! Fire in the hole! Fire in the hole!,” yelled Cpl. David A. Noe, a range coach with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, as he pulled the shock tube initiator pin, which detonated a daisy chain of TNT.
The explosive ordnance disposal technicians with H&HS invited Marines and sailors aboard the air station to their neck of the woods for a demonstration day to provide them with a closer look at what they do April 13.
“The purpose of the demo day is to train Marines on explosive hazards and techniques,” said Sgt. Cody W. Steele, an EOD technician. “It allows us to become more proficient at conducting classes.”
The day started off with an introductory class about EOD including the standard operating procedure for safety standards, important definitions, and the types of detonators and explosives used.
The instructors went over the types of explosive initiation devices, such as electric and non-electric, device nomenclature and how to properly connect detonation cords to explosives. Each Marine present was afforded the opportunity to connect detonation cords to explosives. Each Marine used one of the tying methods taught by the instructors to fasten to either a brick of C4, a stick of dynamite or a block of TNT.
Following the configuring of the shape charges, the Marines took their explosive devices out to the field, and, accompanied by watchful EOD technicians connected their charge with several others to make either a main line or ring main daisy chain.
Upon completion, all Marines hurried back to the bunker and waited for the green light. Gunnery Sgt. Brian D. Diaz, the range safety officer, said “cleared hot” and three of the Marines took turns detonating either the TNT, C4 or the dynamite daisy chain. First came the boom, followed by the rumble of the ground, and finally the blanket of sand and dirt from above.
“My favorite part was definitely pulling the detonation cord and hearing that explosion,” said Lance Cpl. Jordan J. Halbisen, a heavy-equipment operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274.
After learning how claymore mines and directional shape charges work, the Marines were taught how special effects artists in Hollywood make their explosions.
The EOD Marines gave a lesson on fuel-air explosions and how they produce the cloud of fire that almost obligates any innocent bystander to watch in awe. The EOD technicians took the Marines back to the field to show demonstrations of how they work.
In one scenario, the technicians filled a chain of garbage bags with fuel, secured and connected via detonation cord. In the next scenario, two tires were placed horizontally and filled halfway with fuel. Taped to the top was a postcard-sized explosive charge. The two tires were connected via detonation cord as well.
Without a moment to lose, the EOD technicians set a timer with each chain and hurried back to a post a few hundred feet away. Roughly five minutes later, the first fuel explosive erupted in a thirty-foot-high cloud of fire. Moments later the tires exploded upward only to come down and continue flaming and smoking profusely.
“I think they got a lot of information out of the day in relation to explosives, and what goes into preparing explosive charges,” said Diaz. “They get a break from their day-to-day routine and used their imagination to build their own explosive charges. Everyone likes to get their hands dirty every once in awhile, and I think they enjoyed that.”
Along with the Marines, the instructors were afforded the opportunity to get adequate training.
“These training events are very important to EOD techs,” Diaz said. “One of our jobs is to educate and train personnel from privates to generals, so these training days allow the EOD techs to adjust and practice their individual teaching techniques and pass information to a diverse audience effectively.”
As paramount as the instruction is both for training for the EOD Marines and for the Marines receiving education and practical application, the emphasis of the day was on safety.
“I think the day went real well,” Halbisen said. “We had no problems. Everyone was safe and had a great time.”
The most important thing to take away from a demo day is to understand the effects and hazards associated with explosives and to understand the current enemy employment of explosives, Diaz said.
“I would recommend that every unit send at least one person out to the EOD range and see how much fun they have doing what they do,” Halbisen said.
| Date Taken: | 04.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2011 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 69484 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 222 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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