The Source for Navy News
U.S., Kuwait and Australia Combine Forces for EOD Operation
Story Number: NNS040914-02
Release Date: 9/14/2004 11:13:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Chad A. Bricks, USS Belleau Wood Public Affairs
NORTHERN ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 3, Det. 11 assigned to Commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 5, along with members of the Australian and Kuwaiti navies, took part in a combined training exercise Sept. 4 in Kuwaiti territorial waters.
U.S. EOD members routinely conduct training to neutralize ordnance to maintain proficiency and a high level of readiness. During a weekly operation and intelligence brief between CPR 5 and the Kuwaiti Navy Force recently, the U.S. invited the Kuwaiti EOD to join them in the explosive ordnance exercise. Later, U.S. forces also invited the Australian EOD, assigned to Her Majesty's Australian Ship Adalaide, to participate in the EOD exercise.
“It was a good opportunity to get the Kuwaitis and Australians involved in the training exercise,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Tyson N. Miller. “It’s beneficial for everyone involved to train together.”
Miller explained the exercise involved three U.S. EOD members, three Kuwaitis and two Australians flown to the detonation area from USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), which is currently operating in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG). A member of the U.S. EOD team was stationed aboard Landing Craft Utility 1630 and was deployed to the scene, as well.
The exercise simulated mine floating scenarios, said Master Chief Storekeeper (EOD/SW) Sean F. May, EOD Unit 3, Det. 11 assistant officer in charge.
In three separate evolutions, three 55-gallon drums with 20 pounds of weight were dropped into the ocean to simulate the mine.
“Three combined EOD members cast out of the helicopter and onto the scene,” said Miller.
“One American, one Kuwaiti and one Australian on each shot,” said May.
The Kuwaiti and Australian placed an explosive charge and detonator on the simulated mines. The Kuwaiti and Australian EOD Sailors were hoisted back into the helicopter, while the U.S. Sailor ignited the explosive timer that initiated the charge.
“(The U.S. Sailor) had 10 minutes to get back into the helicopter and away from the scene,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Ryan J. Rigdon.
“Everything went according to plan,” said May. “Like everything else, the more you do it, the better you get at it.”
“Engaging the militaries of Arabian Gulf countries is a priority mission. The better the U.S. forces can interact with these and coalition forces, the more credible the military power brought to bear and interrupt the activities of international terrorist organizations,” said CPR 5 Chief Staff Officer Lt. Cmdr. Joseph R. Darlak.
EOD Mobile Unit 3, Det. 11 is operating aboard Belleau Wood, which is currently performing Maritime Security Operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3.
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.
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