Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight at Cannon AFB, N.M., late last month responded in support of law enforcement when a bomb scare arose in the local town of Clovis. These airmen were able to apply their training and tools of their trade expeditiously, including using the HD-1 remote entry robot, to determine that the suspected bomb was actually a training aid once owned by a now-deceased Albuquerque arson investigator. “The ability to call on Cannon’s EOD makes a big difference, and we are fortunate enough to have them,” said Matt Murray, sheriff of Curry County. He added, “With Cannon’s EOD unit here, man hours and potentially lives are saved.” Cannon EOD airmen are available to support local law enforcement in emergency situations under a 1986 agreement. The EOD flight has also responded to off-base incidents like a bank robbery and a house thought to be booby-trapped. (Cannon report by TSgt. Gloria Wilson)
Three B-1B Lancers from the 7th Bomb Wing flew over the Indo-Pacific alongside F-16s from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force as part of a joint large force exercise. The mission began and ended in the continental U.S. The bombers flew 31 hours and landed Jan. 11.