Ordiance disposal gets support

Senior Airman Ashlynd Olivencia ensures there is no visible damage on new inventory May 25, 2011, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Airman Olivencia is responsible for ordering all equipment and supplies for the 466th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bravo Squadron. Airman Olivencia is an EOD supply technician assigned to the 466th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bravo Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)

Ordiance disposal gets support

Senior Airman Ashlynd Olivencia verifies inventory in a kicker box May 25, 2011, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Airman Olivencia is responsible for ordering all equipment and supplies for the 466th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bravo Squadron. Airman Olivencia is an EOD supply technician assigned to the 466th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bravo Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)

Ordiance disposal gets support

Tech Sgt. Brian Henry checks differential fluid in a mine resistant ambush protected all-terrain vehicle May 25, 2011, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Henry is in charge of maintaining about a dozen vehicles similar to the M-ATV in use by explosive ordinance disposal personnel. Sergeant Henry is a vehicle mechanic assigned to the 466th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bravo Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)

Ordiance disposal gets support

Tech Sgt. Brian Henry checks the oil in a mine resistant ambush protected all-terrain vehicle May 25, 2011, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Henry is in charge of maintaining about a dozen vehicles similar to the M-ATV in use by explosive ordinance disposal personnel. Sergeant Henry is a vehicle mechanic assigned to the 466th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bravo Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)

Ordnance disposal gets support

Published May 28, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley
451st AEW Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The Airmen of the 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bravo Squadron have a dangerous job, but many supporting agencies keep them prepared to take the call to respond to potential hazards, such as land mines.

By the end of May, the squadron will be the only Air Force EOD team still working out of Kandahar Airfield.

Tech. Sgt. Brian Henry leads the support staff of the squadron in addition to his duties as the vehicle mechanic. His responsibilities range from changing out the 800 pound ballistic windows of the vehicles to routine oil changes. His has enjoyed his time deployed with EOD.

"The big thing for me, if EOD is stranded because the car doesn't work, either it's my fault, or my goal to get them back," he said. "With their mission, that's the last thing they need to worry about."

Senior Airman Ashlynd Olivencia works with Sergeant Henry to support EOD. She is the acting noncommissioned officer in charge of supply supports six forward operating bases, but works out of KAF. She stepped into the position designed for several pay grades above her to ensure things ranging from cereal to ballistic eyeglasses arrive get to the Airmen who need them. In her few months at KAF, she's placed orders for Gatorade, fiberglass tubes used to help uncover mines, and new boots.

"Going on ground patrols, they go through a lot of boots," said Airman Olivencia.

Taking initiative for personalized service, she even handles laundry for the EOD Airmen, who do not always have time to drop it off themselves. They answer calls for explosive ordinance, often with little notice, and may not be able to do it.

"It's a testament to the professionalism of our Airmen that they're willing to step outside their normal tasks," said 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bravo Squadron commander Capt. Nicole Dusang. "They're motivated and ready to excel and all these guys demonstrate that."

Staff Sgt. Thuan V. Bui repairs radios and other equipment on EOD vehicles.

"The important thing is knowing your guys come back safe because you've done your job correctly," he said.

They may not handle explosives directly, but the support Airmen help EOD keep others safe.