U.S. Marines with Explosives Ordnance Disposal Company (EOD), 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group completed a weeklong evaluation of EOD operations during a field exercise at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 17 – 22, 2019.
The Marines performed a variety of tasks including chemical/biological response operations, disposal and exploitation of explosive ordnance, and post blast analysis.
“The purpose of this exercise was to test the skills of everyone from the command and control element down to the EOD technicians in the field,” said Sgt. Taylor Tingey, an EOD technician with EOD Company, 8th ESB, 2nd MLG. “It’s important the technicians work on realistic training aids to improve...”
The Marines of EOD Company partnered with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division during the exercise in a simulated combat environment.
“Incorporating an infantry platoon and an engineer platoon provides the unique opportunity to build valuable integration skills between communities that operate together in a combat environment, but rarely train together in garrison,” said Gunnery Sgt. Steven Smith, EOD training chief with EOD Company, 8th ESB, 2nd MLG.
The Marines patrolled a military-operations-in-urban-terrain town while they simulated combat operations. When they detected potential improvised explosive devices, they called on EOD technicians embedded with the patrol to investigate the situation.
The end of the exercise culminated with a night raid, where the Marines were tasked with capturing a high value target while avoiding multiple IEDs in a low-light environment.
“Working with EOD is beneficial because we learn how to work together in a deployed environment,” said Lance Cpl. Donte Vezio, a rifleman with 1st Bn., 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd MarDiv. “We get the chance to train in an environment where IEDs are placed.”
The technicians excavated IEDs, disposed of weapons caches, and performed night operations in front of personnel safety officers. The PSOs took notes of their progress and briefed EOD Marines on safety and efficiency.
Date Taken: | 05.22.2019 |
Date Posted: | 05.23.2019 19:13 |
Story ID: | 323756 |
Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 170 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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