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EOD Techs Share Universal Tactics

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090515-14
Release Date: 5/15/2009 4:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Paul Cage,

Naval Station Rota Public Affairs Office

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, Detachment Europe, at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota trained with their Spanish navy counterparts from Cartagena, Spain, during Exercise Magre 09-01, May 12 – 15.

This marks the ninth year the teams have come together to conduct different training scenarios, enhance interoperability and hone their skills in EOD tactics, techniques and procedures. Participants focused on three areas this year: ammunition, chemical response and neutralization of improvised explosive devises (IEDs).

"It's awesome that we get to train with these guys and have bilateral training to enhance the EOD partnership we have here in Spain," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Luigi Mendoza. "This training allows us to gain insight into combined EOD tools and help eliminate explosive threats."

Mendoza said it was also an excellent way to look at similar events and get a fresh and different perspective in neutralizing the situation.

"EOD techs are the same no matter where you go," said Medoza. "We have the same thought processes and mentality in everything we do."

Throughout the exercise, Spanish and Americans shared years of experience.

"It's been a really great week. They are great friends and allies," said Lt. Matthew Coombs, officer in charge of EODMU 8 Det. Europe. "They have shared their stories and experiences in Bosnia and other events in places throughout the world. We really enjoy training with them."

The Spanish bomb specialists said it was important to foster bilateral relationships in this community.

"We have a great relationship with the U.S. and coming here is great," said Spanish Sargento-Primero Manuel Gutierrez Ramirez. "Anytime you get to train with another service is good. We learned a few things, and we hope they learned a few things too."

For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/local/rota/.