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Staff Sgt. Matthew Eades shows Marines and Sailors the remains of materials after a detonation, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 1. Staff Sergeant Eades is an EOD Technician with Marine Wing Support Detachment 31.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes

EOD holds Demo Day

8 Feb 2018 | Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines conducted a Demo Day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 1. 

The Demo Day was held so other Marines and Sailors aboard MCAS Beaufort could get a glimpse at what EOD Marines do and how they conduct their day to day operations. Marines learned about the various aspects of the EOD mission and received hands on demonstrations on the different tools and techniques that EOD Marines use daily.

“My command was the one that actually recommended I go for the demonstration,” said Lance Cpl. Darius Mason, an administrator with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “I think being able to experience all of the things I did today has definitely opened up a new mindset for me when it comes to a new career field that I may want to pursue in my future.” 

The need for EOD did not occur until World War II, after many casualties began involving ordnance that had not exploded after initial impact. Due to the advance of technology in bomb making, the first EOD School was established in Washington, D.C. during the war.

The Marines and Sailors received classes on the different types of missiles and ballistics that EOD has dealt with over the years as well as what makes the EOD range so unique to MCAS Beaufort. 

“This is actually a treatment facility which is something that helps us a lot,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Eades, an EOD Technician with Marine Wing Support Detachment 31. “This facility matters, because places that aren’t designated as a treatment facility specifically are not allowed to dispose of stuff other than in an emergency and or training action. We are a facility that the EPA is okay with the treatment of various ordnances here, which something is that is very unique and certainly helpful.”

At the end of day the Marines and sailors were given a sheet to grade their instructors that they were assigned at the beginning of the day and were asked questions on what they would’ve wanted to see or things that they could have changed and done differently. 

“All day I got play with explosives and then of course at the end was the giant Wall of Fire which is always cool to see,” said Mason. “I have never really done or seen anything like what I have today, I learned more about chemistry and physics today than I probably have in my entire life. I would totally recommend these kinds of events in the future; it’s definitely the greatest learning experience I’ve ever had.”

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