The 627th Air Base Group’s explosive ordnance disposal flight’s departure, gives the 446th Reserve Airlift Wing here sole possession of the Pacific Northwest’s only Air Force EOD unit.

“… there’s no other Reserve EOD forces in the region,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Sursley, 446th Civil Engineer Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight superintendent. “Oregon has none; Washington would have none if we leave; Idaho; Montana – you’d have to get all the way down to Travis Air Force Base [Calif.] before you hit another Reserve EOD unit.”

This makes the 446th even more crucial to the region in providing explosive ordnance capabilities and support.

“They provide the Air Force Reserve’s only EOD capability in the Pacific Northwest,” saidCol. Bryan Runion, 446th Mission Support Group commander. “We work closely with our joint partners on the Army side; were able to train with them and augment them.”

The technicians are also the ones who help neutralize ordnance threats on the flightline.

“A C-17 (Globemaster III) could possibly have a hung flare problem, and our EOD would be able to assist and provide specialized support in that airfield,” Runion said.

Watch the rest of the 446th EOD flight’s story HERE or below.