EOD Airman shadowed by Commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Fighter Wing commander shadowed an explosive ordnance disposal Airman March 5 as part of the Airman Shadow Program.

Airman 1st Class Anthony Clark, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD apprentice, had the opportunity to teach Colonel Derek C. France, 325th FW commander, what he does.

"Once my leadership told me I was selected, I was honored and excited to be the one to show Colonel France what everyday life is like for an EOD team member," said Clark. "I was humbled to be the one that was selected."

Some of Clark's duties are scheduling, preparing and monitoring annual training for a 17-person flight. He is also a member of the 24/7 EOD on-call support team for the base and 17 surrounding counties.

"At times my job is stressful, but with the training I do and the people I work with, it makes it much easier to deal with it," said Clark.

While at the EOD facility, Clark showed the commander how to use their ANDROS F6-A robot and was able to have the commander try on the 60-pound EOD 9 bomb suit.

France also learned how to dispose of an IED with a Precaution Actuated Neutralizer, which is a tool used to properly dispose of an improvised explosive device.

"As with all of the Airman Shadow events, I am honored to spend some time walking in the shoes of this amazing Airman," said France. "A1C Clark and the entire EOD team here at Tyndall execute this demanding skillset with the highest level of pride, precision and teamwork.  They are a critical piece of projecting combat air power and agile combat support."

Clark, a Kenosha, Wis. Native, was chosen by his unit leadership for this unique opportunity.

"Although he is one of our junior flight members, his work-ethic and motivation are unmatched among his peers," said Senior Airman David Smith, 325th CES EOD journeyman and Clark's supervisor. "He is a well-rounded individual and offers perspective not often found at the A1C level.  He excels at any challenge and is excited to take on more responsibility."

This was a different experience from Clark's daily job duties, but he enjoyed the time spent with the commander.

"It was rewarding and fun to watch Col. France drive the robot and shoot the PAN to dispose of an IED," said Clark. "He was easy to talk to and seemed excited to learn more about me and what we do here at the EOD unit. He told me he enjoyed the experience of stepping into the boots of an EOD team member and that he had a good time."