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EOD clears bombing range used for training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph A. Pagán Jr.
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ALEXANDRIA, La. --  Five members of the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team spent the week at Claiborne Bombing and Gunnery Range in Alexandria, La., Sept. 16-20.

Every year, EOD Airmen clear the range of ordnance dropped from the B-52H Stratofortress and A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The 7,800-acre range provides training opportunities for the flying units in this area.

"Historically the 47th Fighter Squadron out of Barksdale is our main customer," said William Avants, range operations officer. "But we're gearing up to focus our training on the B-52s; however, any unit within flying distance can train here."

EOD is the only organization that clears the sectors of ordnance.

"Sectors are based on how much is dropped in each area," said Avants. "In addition to the main bomb circle, which is used more frequently, 20 percent of the range is cleared annually spanning over a five-year rotation."

Clearing consists of digging up BDU-12s, better known as dummy bombs, and any scrap metal that is found.

"For the first three to four days at the range, the Airmen separate and categorize all findings into hazardous or non-hazardous metal," said Master Sgt. Steven Coppock, EOD flight superintendent. "The hazardous metal is when a BDU still contains an undetonated spotting cartridge which needs to be destroyed. So the BDU can be turned into scrap metal."

A spotting cartridge, when detonated, emits a phosphorous smoke showing the pilots and range personnel where the BDU landed.

"Barksdale and EOD's cooperation with the range is a tremendous asset to us," said Avants. "We have a host-tenant agreement and we get all of our support from the base; whether it's EOD clearance, safety, or environmental support."

Avants says the partnership between Barksdale and the range is vital to the range's survival.

"This is not only a great partnership with the local range, but it is a great opportunity to train and sharpen our skills," said Coppock.

"Without Barksdale interactions we simply wouldn't be here; they're not just our primary customer but our lifeline," Avants said.