EOD 'takes charge' at Draughon Range

  • Published
  • By Staff Sergeant Erica Picariello
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron completed clearance procedures at Draughon Range here April 8, locating and rendering safe more than 30 unexploded munitions during their first range clearance mission since last month's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

The 1,900-acre range is used continuously by both United States Air Force and Japanese Air Defense Force pilots for bombing and gunnery proficiency and qualification, but the range has been inactive since Japan's 9.0 magnitude earthquake March 11.

"Range management actually has to schedule EOD clearance operations between flying operations," said Master Sgt. Garet Vannes, EOD superintendent. "EOD performs 21 clearance operations per month, but we haven't been able to do any clearing missions because of damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami."

Draughon Range is located on Japan's coastline; the tsunami destroyed the protective sand-walls built around the targets. Many rounds have also been covered with debris along with new munitions being unearthed.

"We had roads that essentially disappeared," said Tommie Johnson, Draughon Range Cubic site manager. "Streams were carved into the beach that weren't there before. Sand dunes were overrun and cut through, and our targets were thrown into the woods, re-arranged, or simply buried by sand and debris."

Not only was the range damaged, but the tsunami uncovered more than a few potential hazards.

"The tsunami moved known munitions and also uncovered a few," Sergeant Vannes said. "It also flattened most of the protective safety earthen berms around the targets.
 
These berms prevent munitions from rolling into the ocean and will need to be rebuilt by range maintenance personnel before the aircraft can use Draughon range again. EOD is here to clear the area and to ensure the area is safe to begin those rebuilding operations."

According to range control personnel, it will take approximately three weeks for two berms to be rebuilt. However, rebuilding procedures couldn't be started until Misawa's EOD unit cleared the range.

"It's important for EOD to clear this range so that we can rebuild the targets that keep JASDF and USAF pilots proficient," Mr. Johnson said. "The goal is to prepare the pilot for what he might see in a combat setting and thus try to make the training environment as realistic as possible. Draughon Range is the only range in Japan with this type of capability. Having it in our backyard is fantastic, but we need to get everything rebuilt before these pilots can train here."

The EOD unit used approximately 300 pounds of explosives to break open each metal munitions casing, exposing the cement fillers and proving they're safe for removal.

"We were able to recon the targets and get vital information needed for EOD, CE 'dirt boys' and Draughon range maintenance personnel to return the range to 'Mission Ready,'" Sergeant Vannes said.

Due to the success of this clearance mission, the range is in the process of being rebuilt so that local pilots can continue to train, ensuring 100 percent mission success.

"Some of the weapons clearing and road repair have been accomplished and are coming along nicely," Mr. Johnson said. "Our next hurdle will be for the bulldozers to arrive at the range, and then the safety earthen berms can be rebuilt. Ultimately we want to provide the aircrew a training environment where they can train like they fight, so when combat operations do start, they can fight like they train."