The 52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosives Command, had an eventful 2018.
Starting off the unit’s highlights was its first multi-echelon field training exercise in late February. This is the first time the group’s headquarters was able to conduct training with one of its subordinate battalions, the 184th Ordnance Battalion (EOD), and two of the battalion’s companies, the 49th Ordnance Company (EOD) and 717th Ord. Co. (EOD), at the same time.
This enabled the group and battalion to exercise its respective staffs while the EOD technicians practiced their skills in simulated situations. Each level having to report what happened and what is needed to each other simulated what would occur on a deployment.
Shortly after the exercise the unit held a change of command ceremony where Soldiers bade farewell to their commander of 25 months, Col. Mark Faria. They welcomed Col. Daniel Duncan as his replacement. Duncan worked at the 101st Airborne Division Headquarters as the deputy chief of staff and Faria took that position prior to his retirement.
“It has been an honor to lead such trusted professional warrior leaders who defuse danger in a complex environment,” Faria said. “Maintain that laser focus on readiness and do what you do best. I wish you all the very best and thank you and your Families for your service and sacrifices.”
The group also deployed three of its companies from Fort Campbell, 723rd Ord. Co. (EOD) in May, 717th Ord. Co. (EOD) and 49th Ord. Co. (EOD) both left near the end of July.
“The Soldiers in both companies are very anxious to deploy because that is what they joined the Army for, to conduct their EOD mission,” Duncan said.
All three deployed in support of contingency operations in Afghanistan.
While dealing with personnel shortages of having so many companies deployed or in preparation for deployment, the group still sent some of its EOD technicians to two Raven’s Challenge exercises. Hosted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, these exercises are specifically designed to allow the military’s technicians to train with bomb squad members of civil authorities, from police departments to federal entities like the FBI. It also invites members of foreign militaries to practice their craft. This interagency combination allows both groups to learn skills and techniques from each other and enable easier communication should they have to work together in the future.
These all took place while 20th CBRNE Command Soldiers stationed at six installations completed more than 1,200 EOD missions, which included support to the Secret Service for the security of the president, members of government or foreign dignitaries.
To cap off 2018, the 52nd Ord. Group (EOD) celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a Dec. 17 ceremony at the Brig. Gen. Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum.