EODMU 5, Det 51 Completes PASSEX with Brunei Forces
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060705-09
7/5/2006
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs
BRUNEI (NNS) -- Sasebo, Japan-based Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Detachment (Det) 51, currently embarked on USS Patriot (MCM 7), completed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces June 26-27, the first bilateral training between the two forces in the EOD mission area.
EODMU 5, Det 51 arrived with Patriot June 25 for a scheduled port visit. The plan for EOD units of both nations to jointly train was in addition to a range of in-port activities for the ship, according to senior leadership of EODMU 5, Det 51.
The two days of training consisted of classroom-type exchanges and practical application. Participants from both sides agreed that the training was an important opportunity for the exchange of EOD techniques.
"They welcomed us with open arms and were eager to interact and learn about our EOD techniques," said Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 2nd Class (DV/SW/PJ) Daniel K. Ryan. "It was good to see what they do, and I'm sure it was good for them to see what we do."
The primary focus of the training was on improvised explosive devices (IED), which is not a major threat in Brunei but is a major issue of the region, especially in southern parts of the Kingdom of Thailand and Republic of Philippines, according to Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposalman (ESW/AW) Jeff Gates, the Det's leading chief petty officer.
Day one featured informative briefs on the subject of IED disruption presented by both forces, showcasing the methods, techniques and mechanical systems used in this area of EOD.
To enhance understanding, EOD personnel from the Royal Brunei armed forces set up an elaborate display of EOD tools they use, as well as some of the various weapons and ammunition they have in their inventory. Members of the U.S. EOD said they were "impressed" with the wide array of EOD tools the Brunei forces possessed.
As part of day two, U.S. and Brunei personnel were broken up into two integrated teams and ran IED drill packages, which tasked the teams to work through various scenarios. As part of the scenarios, the teams assembled actual disruption devices that were then detonated to achieve neutralization of a simulated IED.
The end result was a win-win, said members of EODMU 5, Det 51.
"The PASSEX was very effective because we demonstrated to them, and they demonstrated to us, additional tools to use in IED neutralization. We both walked away knowing a little bit more about how to disrupt these types of explosives," said Gates.
EODMU 5, Det 51 is primarily tasked to serve as a mine neutralization unit on mine countermeasures ships like Patriot and forward-deployed USS Guardian (MCM 5). The team recently participated in Western Pacific Mine Countermeasures Exercise (WP-MCMEX) in Malaysia and Cobra Gold in Thailand just before the PASSEX. Though IED is not part of its day-to-day scope, it is an essential element of the EOD field and one where information sharing is essential, said Gates.
EODMU 5, Det 51 were simply glad to see how Brunei forces conduct EOD missions.
"Now I have a greater understanding how another EOD unit in another part of the world operates," said Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 2nd Class (DV/FPJ) Michael J. Nisi.
EOD personnel from both nations interacted on a personal level during meal times. Extensive Bruneian cuisine was offered at breakfast and lunch for the teams.
"The Brunei EOD guys were great to work with and get to know," added Nisi.
(EODMU) 5, Det 51 is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and serves under Task Force 76, operating as a U.S. 7th Fleet asset for EOD mine countermeasures in the Western Pacific area of operation. The detachment is currently embarked on the Avenger-class Patriot, which is currently deployed in Southeast Asia to support the 7th Fleet's interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralization warfare and maritime operations.
For more information on CTF 76, visit www.ctf76.navy.mil.
For related news, visit the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.
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