Liberty Wing EOD hosts international exercise with NATO allies

Published June 20, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

man looking through a trapped door — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Salinardi, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal equipment non-commissioned officer in charge, uses a mirror to assess entrance safety during a practice exercise at RAF Feltwell, England, May 16, 2024. Numerous NATO Allies participated in the first international exercise held by the Liberty Wing’s EOD team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team of the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, stands at the forefront of ensuring the operational readiness and safety of Airmen and their families.

Tasked with a crucial mandate, EOD Airmen hold the responsibility of protecting equipment, installations, and resources from the effects of explosives as well as nuclear and chemical hazards. Their daily duties ensure base security and operational readiness of the Liberty Wing is held to the highest standard at all times.

“This year we hope to partner with other forces in hopes of gaining a better understanding of our job and how others may attack certain scenarios,” said Senior Airmen Darrell Cooley, 48th CES EOD team member.

man handing out wire — A Romanian Airman secures equipment during an international training exercise held by the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Feltwell, England, June 4, 2024. The Liberty Wing and NATO Allies participated in the exercise, where all teams enhanced their tactics, techniques and procedures through multiple training events during the week-long exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

This year, RAF Lakenheath’s EOD unit held their first international exercise with multiple NATO allies attending a week-long training event. The training proves beneficial to NATO partners and the U.S. Air Force by holding exercises where allies can participate in EOD scenarios created by U.S. Air Force Airmen.

“The national exercise benefits the U.S. Airmen across Europe-Air Forces Africa’s area of responsibility as a whole by building our tactics, techniques and procedures,” said Staff Sgt. Johnathon Dupree, 48th CES EOD Operations NCOIC. “Logistically speaking, it was extremely difficult setting this exercise up, but we would love to do this annually.”

02:51

VIDEO | 02:51 | Lakenheath EOD First International Exercise

As the team continues to uphold the highest standards of excellence, their contributions are recognized throughout U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa for maintaining operational readiness and demonstrating the success of the 48th Fighter Wing.

detailed photo of patch — U.S. Air Force and NATO explosive ordnance disposal teams participated in the first international EOD exercise held by the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Feltwell, England, June 4, 2024. The Liberty Wing hosted the training event with a focus on sharing EOD techniques, tactics and procedures between NATO Allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Alexander Vasquez)

man looking through range finder — A Romanian Airman scouts out a location for potential explosives during an international training exercise at RAF Feltwell, England, June 4, 2024. The Liberty Wing hosted the training event with a focus on sharing EOD techniques, tactics and procedures between NATO Allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Alexander Vasquez)

man cutting wire — A 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Airman cuts wire for a static display during an international training exercise at RAF Feltwell, England, May 16, 2024. Numerous NATO Allies participated in the first international exercise held by the Liberty Wings explosive ordnance disposal team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)