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Senior Airman Tim Habedank, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal journeyman, uses a gyro camera on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 18. The camera is used to observe a scene from a long range which provides more adequate cover for the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Martin) (RELEASED)

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Airman 1st Class T.J. Brantley, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal apprentice, assembles an MK-2 disruptor tool on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 18. EOD Airmen are responsible for performing, supervising and managing explosive ordnance disposal operations. They are also able to identify, disarm, neutralize, recover and dispose of hazardous explosives. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Martin) (RELEASED)

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Published Sept. 19, 2012
By Senior Airman Sean Martin
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE Base, La. -- The 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight plays a vital role in the overall safety and support of Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

2 CES EOD provides support which allows the continuation of the conventional and nuclear missions of the 2nd Bomb Wing and its tenant units.

"Our presence provides Barksdale with quick responses to explosive hazards such as in-flight emergencies caused by hung munitions, on-base suspicious devices and degraded ordnance discovered on the old East Reservation ranges," said Capt. Chad Hogue, EOD flight commander.

EOD Airmen are responsible for performing, supervising and managing explosive ordnance disposal operations. They also identify, disarm, neutralize, recover and dispose of hazardous explosives.

The training process to become a certified EOD technician is very important to the overall success of the mission.

Training covers a variety of topics to include improvised explosive device courses, high altitude weapons training, Federal Bureau of Investigation blast analysis, home-made explosive course and three separate joint nuclear-specific courses.

"I am able to know what my team members are doing at all times," said Senior Airman Alex Gaunt, 2 CES EOD journeyman. "It also allows me to know what I would need to do in the event something happens to them in the field."

EOD Airmen use equipment designed and tested to increase their distance from explosive hazards and also assist in rendering the hazards safe.

"We use a variety of tools such as robotic platforms, x-rays, bomb suits, disruption devices and highly specialized detectors tailored for specific threats we may come in contact with," said Hogue.

The EOD Airmen are qualified to deploy to any location world-wide.

"The vast majority of our deployments over the last decade have been to combat zones, specifically Iraq and Afghanistan," said Hogue.

EOD Airmen not only provide assistance to Barksdale, they also provide assistance to the off-base community.

"Our response area off-base is approximately a 200-mile radius around the base," said Hogue. "Any off-base support is prioritized and coordinated with leadership to ensure we are always prepared to provide support to Barksdale as well."

There is a lot of camaraderie within the EOD career field. Being a part of the EOD family is something Airmen find very rewarding, said Hogue.

"Being an EOD technician allows us to be able to help others in a time of need," said Hogue. "This alone is one of the more rewarding parts of our job."