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Fire in the hole: 332nd WSA members learn EOD mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melanie Holochwost
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Six members of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing staff toured the Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility Feb. 17, 2012 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

The purpose of the tour was to inform wing staff members about EOD's mission here.

According to Master Sgt. Jack Burleigh, 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron EOD superintendent, the EOD flight provides a safe operating environment for aircraft and flightline personnel by responding to airfield emergencies involving explosive hazards.

"We clear areas of explosives-related contamination and dispose of unserviceable and outdated munitions," he said to the group. "If needed, we provide protection of personnel and property from the effects of unexploded ordnance and roadside bombs containing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-explosive materials."

Burleigh made a point to explain to the group that real EOD work isn't anything like the movies.

"The movies always show us cutting the red or blue wire no matter how unsafe it may be," he said. "In all actuality, we put protection of personnel and property as our number one priority. No matter what situation arises, the safety for our team and others in the area is always foremost in our mind."

In addition to explaining what they do, the EOD members also allowed wing staff members to try out some of their equipment.

Maj. Young Han, 332nd AEW protocol chief, said he acquired a newfound respect for EOD technicians after he donned the bomb suit.

"When I put on the bomb suit, I realized just how demanding their jobs must be," he said. "Any kind of movement was restricted because it was so heavy. And, even though I was indoors with air conditioning, I quickly became hot and sweaty."

Burleigh said the bomb suit weighs about 70 pounds, depending on the size.

"Wearing the bomb suit can be the difference between life and death," he said. "It provides protection from blast overpressure, fragmentation, heat and flames."

When they aren't working, Burleigh said EOD technicians train, train and train.

"Because of the nature of the hazards we deal with, we only have one chance to get it right," he added.