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EOD, Divers Complete "Edged Response" Training Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061025-17
Release Date: 10/25/2006 2:44:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Terrance Jefferson, Commander, U.S. Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANDA BAY, Kenya (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, Detachment (Det.) 5, and Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, Det. 4, along with Kenyan naval divers completed the 10-day bilateral “Edged Response” training exercise, Oct. 19 in Manda Bay, Kenya.

“I think this exercise went really well,” said Chief Warrant Officer David Williams, officer in charge of MDSU 1, Det. 5 and Edged Response team leader. “The Kenyans were excited about learning new capabilities.”

A Kenyan naval diving officer said this training was very beneficial.

“I can assure you the exercise was good for both sides,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Mwaura, a Kenyan naval diving officer, assigned to the Kenyan naval headquarters, Mombassa, Kenya. “This exercise has given us the greatest information. It’s good to have the training we’ve had the last couple of weeks. We’re happy.”

During the exercise, EODMU 8 technicians worked closely with their Kenyan counterparts, teaching them a myriad of techniques dealing with counter explosives.

“We gave the Kenyans the basics [on countering explosive ordnance],” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class (EWS/PJ) Kelly Franz from EODMU 8, Det. 4. “The Kenyan divers learned quickly and were very energetic. They were very hands-on and easy to teach.”

Upon completion of Edged Response, U.S. Navy divers lauded the efforts of both navies and said it was also helpful in maintaining good relations between the two countries.

“Everyone got along great during the training,” said Navy Diver 2nd Class Overton Pierce, a Sailor assigned to MDSU 8, Det. 5. “The interaction was great. We learned from them and they also learned from us.”

For Williams, the exercise was not only successful, but it was also a great way to share culture.

“It was a great opportunity to come to Africa and immerse ourselves in the culture,” said Williams. “I would be honored to work alongside the Kenyans any day.”