EODMU-5 Det 1 Trains with Hong Kong's Finest
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050324-12
Release Date: 3/24/2005 1:41:00 PM
By Lt. Keith Dowling, USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs
USS KITTY HAWK, At sea (NNS) -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit (MU) 5 Det. 1 participated in a four-day training exercise with the Hong Kong Police Department (HKPD) during a USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) port visit in February.
The passing exercise was arranged after HKPD EOD Bureau's directing staff became aware of the EOD detachment aboard Kitty Hawk and invited them to participate.
"EOD is a family. We are recognized around the world by the badges we wear, which are nearly identical and represent our special training," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (EOD/AW) Brian Fitzgerald.
Training consisted of a one-day classroom lecture on conventional, chemical and biological improvised explosive devices, as well as other trends in improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The following three days focused on training with tools, tactics and techniques used to defeat IEDs, as well as demolition operations and crime scene post-blast analysis.
The three days of field training were conducted at the HKPD demolition range atop nearby Mt Butler. Besides Fitzgerald, Lt. Geoff Townsend, officer in charge of the detachment, plus EOD Technicians Quartermaster 2nd Class (EOD/SW/AW/FPJ) Jose Molina and Personnelman 2nd Class (EOD/FPJ) Mark Faloon attended the training.
For the HKPD EOD technicians, the training was part of their annual recertification exercise.
Later, both groups celebrated the highly productive training exercise and EODMU-5 Det 1 presented a commemorative plaque and mementos to HKPD Senior Bomb Disposal Technician Mr. Dominic Brittain. Brittain thanked the detachment for its enthusiasm and participation and extended an invitation for future integration, whenever possible. His sentiments were echoed by the EOD detachment.
"The professionalism and level of experience of the HKPD was unmatched and created a positive and informative environment for cross training," said Townsend.
EODMU-5 Det. 1 is currently assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 and embarked aboard Kitty Hawk.
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