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CFAS Trains for Improvised Explosives

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070211-06
Release Date: 2/11/2007 5:34:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jamie Hawkins, American Forces Network Detachment, Sasebo

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Fleet Activities Sasebo’s (CFAS) Security Detachment and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams trained at the main base post office Feb. 3 for the removal of an improvised explosive device as part of Exercise Keen Edge.

CFAS held the drill to prepare for real-world scenarios, so they would know how to respond and work as a cohesive unit.

Security personnel were first on the scene and immediately blocked off all in-coming traffic, and safely evacuated all personnel from the building.

“The EOD arrived on scene quick and security was able to set the perimeter in a timely manner,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Richard Zren, instructor for the training exercise. “I think the teamwork overall was great.”

Zren helped oversee the performance of CFAS security and assisted them during the drill.

Once the area was secure, the military working dogs and handlers were called in to investigate all secondary areas and confirm the improvised explosive threat.

“Security, EOD and the military working dog handlers work hand in hand to help prevent these types of incidents,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Shane Sieweat, military dog handler. “We work yearly to maintain all of our training.”

Once the threat was confirmed, the EOD team moved in. They determined the kind of explosive and ordered all security in the area to take cover as they safely disposed of the device.

Sieweat said the main importance for conducting these drills and exercises is to ensure everybody knows their jobs. In the event CFAS does run into a real life incident, everyone involved will be prepared and can help to protect base assets and personnel.

“These drills are happening now because in this day and age we have to deal with terrorism, and we have to prepare for any attacks that may [occur],” said Zren.

He said the exercise enabled security and EOD to work together in a cooperative effort to defeat any kind of terrorist acts that may happen at CFAS.

Keen Edge is a joint and bilateral command post exercise designed to increase interoperability and readiness between U.S. and Japanese forces.