EOD blows up beach bomb

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Bainter
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Airmen from 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal destroyed an unexploded ordnance near the beach, which a jogger discovered at Perdido Key, Fla., March 12, 2014.

Local law enforcement contacted EOD to dispose of the MK-23 practice bomb.

According to uxoinfo.com, this type training bomb contains red phosphorous, which illuminates once the trigger comes in contact with water. The illumination of the round provides a visual indication of where the projectiles land in the water.

From time to time, these projectiles wash ashore and can contain a live charge. The red phosphorous charge contained in these practice bombs burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause life-threatening injuries if activated.

Corrosion makes UXOs unsafe to transport on roadways, therefore disposal at the discovery location, a safe distance from homes, traffic, and pedestrians is the preferred method when possible, according to Tech. Sgt. Brian Dunnagan, 1st SOCES EOD team leader.

"On average, EOD receives reports once a month, even more during the summer months when beaches are crowded," said Dunagan. "If you see something that has fins on it and looks tubular in design, or looks like a bomb or a mortar, call local law enforcement. Don't touch or handle the device."

EOD Airmen disposed of the UXO using C4 explosives at the discovery site, which was a safe distance from the roadway.