EOD team trains with new response vehicle

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A nervous, shaking staff sergeant is sitting on a bench near Mission Lake, Ga., holding the trigger to a bomb located in her backpack. Forced here by terrorists who kidnapped her, she has no option but to stay in place until an explosive ordnance technician can help disarm the bomb.

The 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., effectively neutralized the situation during a training scenario, Oct. 13, with the help of a new, four-wheeled weapon that helps improve their response time and capabilities.

Known as the BSERV, the 36-foot long bomb squad emergency response vehicle was designed to help EOD units within the continental U.S. respond with all needed equipment.

"The BSERV is very spacious and allows us to travel with all of our equipment, preventing any delay when we get a call," said Senior Airman Daniel Esselstrom, 23rd CES EOD technician. "Previously, we'd have to go and grab the equipment specific to the situation, such as aircraft incident kits or improvised explosive device response kits. Now, we can respond immediately."

A quick response in situations such as IED threats is crucial because of the potential damage. The volunteer who played the hostage in the above situation says she has an appreciation for what the vehicle can do.

"Even in this shortened scenario, simply pretending to be a panicking victim was quite tedious," said Staff Sgt. Rhianna Hall, the 23rd Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range instructor. "In a real situation involving a hostage, it'd be important for a fast and efficient response, even with someone panicking."

To aid in responding quickly and efficiently, technicians get plenty of practice through continual training.

"We're responsible for responding to any situation on- or off-base where we are the closest unit and sometimes even when we're not," said Capt. Michael Fuller, 23rd CES EOD officer in charge. "We set aside two days a week for training and have large exercises like this about once a month. It's important to stay proficient in all the procedures so we can respond against any threat as needed."

The BSERV has several features which make it useful and is already utilized at many other Air Combat Command bases.

Some features include a camera on the rear, lights, sirens, an intercom and a fire extinguisher and a spacious work area. Moody's BSERV was first utilized in a real-world situation when it responded recently to a suspected IED at a local area store. 

The new vehicle was also used during the Oct. 6 memorial ceremony in Fitzgerald, Ga., as it led the funeral procession for Senior Airman Michael Buras, an EOD technician with the 99th CES at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., who died of wounds suffered during an IED attack.