48th EOD wins national award

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Carla Gleason
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
“Full spectrum dominance, emergency response, counterterrorism support and support for national defense at home station and abroad,” describes just a portion of why the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight recently won the Air Force Association Citation of Honor.

Their achievements were recognized Air Force-wide when the flight was presented with the citation of honor award Sept. 12 in Washington D.C.

“Presenting this award to our 48th CES EOD Flight sets a new precedent for an award historically given to aviators, recognizing the significant impact of the Air Force’s mission support troops and their role in the Global War on Terrorism,” said Lt. Col. Roy Agustin, 48th CES commander.

The main mission of the EOD career field is to provide direct support to the aircraft and the airfield on an air base. EOD members “render objects safe,” which can range from detecting and investigating a bomb threat or suspicious package, to confiscating or detonating mortars, weapons or explosives, said Maj. Jerry D. Sanchez, 48th CES EOD flight commander.

“If we’re not doing our mission, we’re training to do our mission,” said Major Sanchez, who explained there are more than 2,000 technical orders each team member must stay proficient on in order to be an effective EOD flight member.

A team of 30 members from RAF Lakenheath cover explosive ordnance duties for eight bases, participates in secret service support, provides deployers for multiple operations in the War on Terror and trains and exercises extensively to stay current in their field.

“Whether at home station, during deployments or while providing security to the president and other dignitaries around the world, our warriors provided unparalleled EOD support critical to aerospace operations in all locations,” said Colonel Agustin. “Their efforts directly saved lives of coalition forces and civilians.”

“The biggest misconception about EOD is that we spend all of our time blowing stuff up,” said Senior Airman Louis B. Coduti, 48th CES EOD flight member. “That’s the easy part, and it’s such a small part of the job.”

Two of the 48th CES EOD Flight members who deployed together last year in support of the War on Terror experienced first-hand how valuable their skills could be out in the field.

“We were the first responders at one helicopter crash when we were able to travel to the site with the quick reaction team,” said Tech. Sgt. Kieran J. Flynn, 48th CES EOD flight NCO in charge of quality assurance, who deployed to Baghdad last year. “We were there to help render the area safe, but we were at the crash so early we were able to help put out fires and help the response team as well.”

Air Force-wide, EOD is credited with saving more than 11,000 coalition personnel from roadside bombs and other hazards during 2004.

“I’m glad we were there [in Baghdad] to help the Army security teams that are out in harms’ way all the time,” said Staff Sgt. Lindsay T. Leitz who deployed along side Sergeant Flynn. “Because they were patrolling specific routes, they were targets and they didn’t get to go back to the safety of the base. It was a good feeling to be able to help ensure their routes were safe.”

According to Airman Coduti, EOD offers specialized knowledge that is valuable not only is support of aerospace support, but directly in the field of operation at deployed locations.

“When we deploy, we bring our knowledge of aircraft and air munitions to help support everyone, not only the Air Force. I am proud to be part of that kind of support.”