Soldiers Beware

Courtesy photo by 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron
The Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 prepares to detonate a cache of unexploded ordnance at FOB Hammer.

Soldiers beware: UXOs on FOB Hammer
By Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT PAO
Since the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team arrived at Forward Operating Base Hammer in March, they have been keeping a close eye out for any unexploded ordnance
that may still be in the area of their operations. Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT have been told to stay alert because, before the facility was taken over by Coalition Forces, it was a training area for Saddam Hussein’s Republican Guard. The former regime left countless missile warheads, mortars, grenades and tank rounds lying around when they were forced to flee the facility. In addition, several undetonated combined effect munitions dropped by American warplanes during the takeover, have been found hidden under sand and rubble. “We’ve probably turned up at least 60 UXOs (unexploded ordnance) since we arrived here,” said Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Baker, 42, Hollywood, Md., 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron.

Every Sledgehammer Soldier was warned to be on the look out for unexploded ordnance upon their arrival to FOB Hammer. So far, that warning has prevented any unfortunate accidents from occurring. Before the arrival of the Sledgehammer Brigade, an Air Force construction worker accidentally set off a BLU97 combined effects submunitions with a road grader. Luckily, he was not hurt, but the explosion did do significant damage to the vehicle. “Normally, an unexploded ordnance is found by
Soldiers digging sand bags, guys grading the roads or after a big dust storm,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Brad Bunde, 39, Scio, Ore., who is with the Navy’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 temporarily stationed here at FOB Hammer. When a Soldier finds something they think is suspicious they are supposed to immediately report it to their battalions Tactical Operations Center. Bunde reminded every Soldier in the 3rd HBCT they should not try to investigate anything themselves. “The best advice I can give is to never disrespect unexploded ordnance,” explained Bunde.

As a safety measure, Bunde explained that normally he and the eight seaman he has working under him attempt to remove any unexploded ordnance from the area before
they attempt to blow it up. Sometimes, however, that isn’t option. Many of ordnances like the BLU97 combined effects submunitions are very volatile and can’t be moved.
“Submunitions are very dangerous because something as harmless as a strong wind can set them off,” explained Bunde. In cases like this, Bunde and his crew are very careful to protect anything in the area and try to “muffle” the blast. A BLU97 explosive was found on top of the building that will serve as the 3rd HBCT’s new eadquarters. It was detonated as they were removing it from the roof. “There is a delicate balance there,” said Bunde. “The unexploded ordnance normally isn’t as dangerous as some of the (improvised explosive devices) we handle. We feel very confident using our knowledge and experience to handle these situations.” Bunde just wants Sledgehammer Soldiers to be aware and not dismiss anything that could be a threat. “As long as Soldiers don’t disturb these things, they will be fine,” said Bunde. “Just give us a call and we will confirm or deny what it is.”