Senior Airman Katie Hamm prepares equipment during a hostage training exercise Oct. 13, 2010, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Airmen from the 23rd Civil Engineer Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight tested the ability of their new Bomb Squad Emergency Response Vehicle during the exercise. Airman Hamm is an EOD technician assigned to the 23rd CE EOD Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)
Staff Sgt. Rhianna Hall waits for an F6-A explosive ordnance disposal robot to assist her during a training exercise Oct. 13, 2010, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Technicians from the 23rd Civil Engineer Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight tested out their new Bomb Squad Emergency Response Vehicle during the exercise to test its ability to respond in emergency situations. Sergeant Hall is the combat arms training and maintenance range instructor assigned to the 23rd Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)
Staff Sgt. Rhianna Hall holds on to a detonation trigger during a hostage training exercise Oct. 13, 2010, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Sergeant Hall is the combat arms training and maintenance range instructor assigned to the 23rd Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)
by Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
23rd Wing Public Affairs
10/20/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Technicians from the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight here displayed the effectiveness of a new, four-wheeled weapon that helps improve their response time and capabilities during a training scenario Oct. 13.
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, a 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.
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, the 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."
Some features of the BESERV include a rear-mounted camera, lights, sirens, an intercom, fire extinguisher and a spacious work area.
The BSERV was first utilized in a real-world situation here when it responded recently to a suspected IED at a local area store.
Comments
10/21/2010 11:16:30 AM ET It seems the importance was placed more on what the vehicle can do such as carry out this training scene not necessarily the object itself.
Citizen, USA
10/21/2010 9:52:47 AM ET It is great to see EOD Teams get this valuable new resource. EOD work is very challenging and always tool equipment and tech data intensive. This new resource will allow the teams to more fully focusprepare on the plan and approach while enroute because the equipmenttools part of the Op is already managed. It will also provide private working space and elements of comfort which will make operations safer and smoother. I wish we had this resource when I was in EOD.
Mark Simmons, Patrick AFB
10/20/2010 8:15:53 PM ET If you run a story touting a new EOD vehicle why isn't there a photo of the vehicle with the story
